1. Embrace the Plant Life:
Going vegan is more than a diet change; it's a lifestyle shift. Beyond the health perks, your choices have a positive ripple effect on the environment and our animal companions. Skip the meat burger, save animals (and 660 gallons of water) – it's that simple.
Going Vegan is the biggest thing you can do to save lives. Did you know that on average people eat 10,000 animals in their life-time? I am very glad I am no longer part of this system. As a Vegan personal trainer, I want to support you with your Vegan journey.
2. Sanctuaries - Where Real Heroes Reside:
Animal sanctuaries, rewrite the narratives for animals. Supporting these havens is a concrete way to contribute to the well-being of animals that have faced rough patches. Animal sanctuaries also highlight the realities of many farmed animals lives so that people can find out more about what the lucky few animals at animal sanctuaries have had a lucky escape from.
From listening to people who have opened up these spaces, I understand how expensive and difficult it is to run so any donations are very welcome. Here is a list of a few UK based sanctuaries I found online https://vegetarianforlife.org.uk/blog/post/sanctuaries
There are also opportunities to volunteer at these sanctuaries.
3. Vegan Advocacy Online
Social media is your superhero sidekick. Your posts have the power to create waves of change. So, use your passion and / or skillset to help farmed animals. This may be through showcasing Vegan recipes online, or sharing your experiences of great plant based spaces to eat out.
'Like' posts by fellow vegans and leave supportive comments to Vegan activists. Share their posts and support them in any other way you can.
4. Shop Smart, Shop Cruelty-Free:
Cruelty-free and vegan brands aren't just a fashion statement; they're a lifestyle choice. Upgrade your wardrobe with products that align with your values, drop the plant based and cruelty-free companies a 5 star review and give them some great exposure.
At the moment we are reading about how many plant based food companies are struggling. Vegan products can be a little more expensive but if we are able to, then pay a little more to support these companies.
I try to shop directly from my favourite charities. For example this year I bought cookbooks from Viva charity to give to my clients and my family. Not only is this making me feel good about spending my money, it ticks off my christmas present list, supports a great cause and it will hopefully get the receipients cooking more plant based meals.
5. Casual Chats, Big Impact:
Educating others doesn't have to be a grand lecture. Drop a casual fact – like pigs being smarter than 3 year old children – during a chat. It's about sparking interest, not (always) a vegan manifesto.
I often look for an opportunity to share with people my experience eating plant based, and conversing with people about why i chose to go Vegan and to offer tips and suggestions for how they can make some changes too. I normally find most people are open to change.
6. Government Advocacy – Join the Policy Revolution:
Activism isn't just in the streets; it's in influencing policies. Imagine teaming up with activists to reshape laws for farmed animals. It's about making lasting changes that go beyond individual choices.
I'm feeling very hopeful as I see universities and councils are going plant based. This is very exciting and these changes are happening by every day Vegans speaking up and voting for change, at all institution levels.
In a world saturated with information, being a hero for farmed animals isn't about grand gestures. It's the everyday choices that create a lasting impact. Each vegan meal, sanctuary visit, or shared post contributes to a narrative where compassion prevails.
Unleash your inner vegan hero and let practical actions speak louder than words. 🌱 #VeganActivism
Marios