Trying Veganuary
I’ve been a vegetarian for most of my adult life, but as much as I admire vegans and sell mainly vegan products, it is not for me, not until there is a vast improvement in vegan cheese, at least!
But here’s the thing: as my brand name suggests, being green is about making choices that work for you and your circumstances. So, as Veganuary rolls around, let’s consider how we can all do our bit for the planet.
Hurrah for plants!
It’s no secret that a plant-based diet is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Farming animals uses up a colossal amount of water, land, and resources, and then there is the issue of emissions.
Livestock farming is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, with cattle alone producing substantial amounts of methane. This gas is over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide when it comes to trapping heat in the atmosphere. Additionally, the deforestation to create grazing land and grow animal feed leads to further carbon emissions and loss of biodiversity. It’s a vicious cycle: more land for livestock means less carbon-absorbing trees and plants, exacerbating the climate crisis.
That is before we consider the ethical side: not consuming animal products is a choice that aligns with a compassionate lifestyle. That is what convinced me to be a vegetarian back in the day.
Has being vegan got easier?
If you want to embrace a vegan lifestyle, it is getting much more manageable as more brands introduce plant-based products and vegan options are offered in more food outlets and restaurants.
Of course, there is no denying that you will also spend a considerable amount of time carefully reading labels and checking ingredients. Still, as food labeling improves, that will become easier. If you are creative in the kitchen, you can explore a world of options. Have you tried making cashew cheese or whipping up aquafaba meringues? It’s amazing how inventive you can get with plants. Plus, veganism can be a way to discover new cuisines and ingredients you might never have considered before.
We have already seen vegan bakers on The Great British Bake-Off; being vegan doesn’t mean you have to miss out.
The ethical dilemma
Most of the products I source and sell are vegan. I want to do the best I can, and I also want to be inclusive. But here’s the flip side. Living a green life isn’t always black and white. Take my leather bags, for example. Yes, they are leather. But they’re crafted from scrap leather, pieces that would otherwise end up in landfill. So, while they’re not vegan, they’re ethical in their own way. To me, sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.
And that’s where I land on veganism, too. If you can embrace it fully, fantastic. You’re a rock star. But if you’re navigating the middle ground like me, that’s okay, too. Maybe you’ll try a meat-free meal once a week or swap cow’s milk for oat milk in your coffee. Or perhaps you’ll give Veganuary a go but reserve the right to eat a cheesy pizza if the craving strikes.
Mindfulness matters
What matters most is being mindful—of what we eat and buy and how we live. When my granddaughter was born, I started thinking about the world I’d leave behind for her. That’s what drives me: making better choices, one step at a time. And who knows? Maybe one day, vegan cheese will surprise me.
So, this Veganuary, whether you’re a die-hard vegan, a curious vegetarian, or just someone who wants to make a difference, remember: every small step counts. Let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and keep moving forward.
Happy New Year! Jeannette