Veganism – Is it worth it?

Part of the aim of the Why Go Vegan 30 day challenge has been to present a comprehensive case for veganism and a shift to plant-based lifestyles – any one of the reasons presented is enough in itself, and most of us already vegan are prompted by either health reasons, compassion for animals, or concerns for the environment.

In recent years veganism has tended to be portrayed in the media as more a dietary or health choice than an ethical or moral one, and has also framed veganism as something more akin to a health ‘fad’ that people try for a month in a similar fashion to for example giving up smoking or drinking for a month. Whilst undoubtedly driving large numbers to try a plant-based diet with all the many positive aspects that come with that, this media representation has also to a degree reduced the understanding and framing of veganism as a social justice movement for animals and a lifestyle choice driven by morals, values and ethics.

By reconnecting with the original UK vegan social movement pioneers, keeping the focus firmly on the animals and the establishment of fundamental moral and legal rights for animals, and examining all the many benefits that lie within the scope of veganism, for ourselves, for society, for habitats, for the environment, for other people, for generations to come and of course for the animals, the Why Go Vegan 30 day challenge aims to help address that imbalance and portray veganism in all its original splendour.

Ultimately though for all the many good reasons to go vegan, there will be some of us who get to this point and still, for one reason or another, can’t really be bothered to make that step. That might be for a multitude of reasons, be it social, or work, or family, busy lives, inaccessibility of certain foods, lack of self-motivation or a whole multitude of other reasons. If that’s you – you are not alone. It’s surprising how many people find themselves in this situation!

Generally, there are 3 driving motivational factors in behavioural change, and often a combination of more than one factor, & this applies for veganism and plant-based lifestyles

Self interest – in this case, benefitting from the health, wellbeing, spiritual & holistic aspects of plant-based lifestyles
Helping others – responding to the plight of animals, loss of habitat and species extinction, and addressing the challenges for humans without access to sustainable food supplies
The Bigger Picture – doing our bit for the environment, and trying to change society for the better, and for future generations to come

For veganism, there are three more major factors to consider

Meet great people – we hope you will enjoy and been inspired by our 30 guests during the challenge – there are so many fabulous people within the vegan communities and this is a driving force for people new to veganism – opening up a whole new circle of like minded people with shared values and interests can be a very big motivational factor for people going vegan.
Be on the right side of history – the world is changing, and we need to change with it. The case for veganism and plant-based lifestyles is pretty much irrefutable, especially when combined, and the science is on our side. Our attitudes to and our understanding of our fellow animals are changing, as is our response to climate change and a health crisis. Veganism is the biggest single daily commitment you can make. Be on the right side of history.
We need you! – we absolutely need you on team vegan and this is one of the biggest driving factors in deciding whether or not you can be bothered. We need you, the planet needs you, the animals need you and you have within your power the ability to make a groundbreaking far reaching and powerful choice and become a part of what needs to be an unstoppable force of compassion, justice, fairness, respect and non-violence.

That’s the world we all want and that’s the world we have to go out and build, and veganism lies at the heart of that revolution. But it needs people to make it work – and that means you.

Thankyou for being a part of the revolution

xxx Team Why Go Vegan

Further Reading

12 Less Obvious Differences Between Veganism and Vegetarianism – Vegan FTA

Sign Up for the 30 Day Why Go Vegan Challenge and Begin Your Vegan Journey