2019- The Year of the Vegan by Noelle Hanek
Vegans: I can't stand them. Those annoying people who are angry at the world, ready to criticize everything you do, and practically live off of oxygen am I right? They are the absolute worst. I mean right?
To be clear, a vegan is someone who does not consume or use products that come from an animal. Back in 2017, I stopped eating and drinking dairy products, and meat not long after that. Back then, things were simple. I ate my greens, and approximately 0.5 percent of the United States population identified as vegan. (according to a sampling done in the United States)
A year went by, and 2019 approached. Things have never been the same.
First came Veganuary, where a quarter of a million people signed up to participate in being a vegan for the month of January. Nearly half that amount stayed vegan afterwords!
Then of course came the meatless meat craze that really took off this year, where the options for vegan foods increased exponentially. The most known is the Impossible and the Beyond burger, which have become even more prevalent this year. They have become so popular because they taste exactly like meat, have no cholesterol at all, and the same amount of protein as a meat burger. There are even foods like chicken, and pork made from plants that are dominating the shelves in supermarkets. (It was crazy because when these foods arrived in supermarkets an employee told me they sold out!) Today, plant based foods are placed along with the animal meats in many supermarkets, and at least have their own section near these meats. There are also many new nutritional plant-based milks besides almond and soy milk that are loved, and there is also a ton of dairy free yogurt, butter, and cheese.
And lets not forget restaurants. Right now, you can walk into an eatery and chances are they offer something awesome. For instance, our town diner is serving the Beyond Burger, and the major fast food chain Burger King is serving the Impossible Burger nationwide! Some restaurants have gone as far to even create their own separate vegan menu! (This to me sounds a lot better than salad lettuce and fries!) This is all because the demand for these foods are growing fast, and establishments are realizing all the new customers these foods will bring to them.
Now, approximately 6 percent of the United States follows a vegan lifestyle. This is a growth rate increase of about 600 percent! And the numbers will continue to grow, which is crazy to think about, because nearly two years ago this was not the reality.
Things are still not perfect though. People continue to pick fun at vegans whether it be on the media or even in person. It shows how veganism is different from the "norm" in America, and makes many people feel uncomfortable. But despite this, the change is still happening. I am sure many of those people, especially those of younger generations, will accept it one day.
But why does this even matter? It matters because the products we buy and consume truly impact us and the world. Reducing the consumption of animal products is better for the animals, our health, and the best way to combat climate change. The reason why I chose this topic is because I believe 2019 was a revolutionary year for veganism and it is finally being recognized more. It is great because there are so many more options out there like never before. It has never been easier to eliminate animal products from our lives as best as we can.
Meat-free foods in supermarket. Vegan Pizza served at restaurant. (Nondairy cheese
Vegan desserts are becoming more common in supermarkets
https://worldin2019.economist.com/
To be clear, a vegan is someone who does not consume or use products that come from an animal. Back in 2017, I stopped eating and drinking dairy products, and meat not long after that. Back then, things were simple. I ate my greens, and approximately 0.5 percent of the United States population identified as vegan. (according to a sampling done in the United States)
A year went by, and 2019 approached. Things have never been the same.
First came Veganuary, where a quarter of a million people signed up to participate in being a vegan for the month of January. Nearly half that amount stayed vegan afterwords!
Then of course came the meatless meat craze that really took off this year, where the options for vegan foods increased exponentially. The most known is the Impossible and the Beyond burger, which have become even more prevalent this year. They have become so popular because they taste exactly like meat, have no cholesterol at all, and the same amount of protein as a meat burger. There are even foods like chicken, and pork made from plants that are dominating the shelves in supermarkets. (It was crazy because when these foods arrived in supermarkets an employee told me they sold out!) Today, plant based foods are placed along with the animal meats in many supermarkets, and at least have their own section near these meats. There are also many new nutritional plant-based milks besides almond and soy milk that are loved, and there is also a ton of dairy free yogurt, butter, and cheese.
And lets not forget restaurants. Right now, you can walk into an eatery and chances are they offer something awesome. For instance, our town diner is serving the Beyond Burger, and the major fast food chain Burger King is serving the Impossible Burger nationwide! Some restaurants have gone as far to even create their own separate vegan menu! (This to me sounds a lot better than salad lettuce and fries!) This is all because the demand for these foods are growing fast, and establishments are realizing all the new customers these foods will bring to them.
Now, approximately 6 percent of the United States follows a vegan lifestyle. This is a growth rate increase of about 600 percent! And the numbers will continue to grow, which is crazy to think about, because nearly two years ago this was not the reality.
Things are still not perfect though. People continue to pick fun at vegans whether it be on the media or even in person. It shows how veganism is different from the "norm" in America, and makes many people feel uncomfortable. But despite this, the change is still happening. I am sure many of those people, especially those of younger generations, will accept it one day.
But why does this even matter? It matters because the products we buy and consume truly impact us and the world. Reducing the consumption of animal products is better for the animals, our health, and the best way to combat climate change. The reason why I chose this topic is because I believe 2019 was a revolutionary year for veganism and it is finally being recognized more. It is great because there are so many more options out there like never before. It has never been easier to eliminate animal products from our lives as best as we can.
Meat-free foods in supermarket. Vegan Pizza served at restaurant. (Nondairy cheese
Vegan desserts are becoming more common in supermarkets
Vegan desserts are becomming more common in supermarketshttps://worldin2019.economist.com/
I love this. More and more people reducing their consumption of meat in favor of vegan options make me so happy. I can't even eat steak anymore because I find the plant-based meat so much better.
ReplyDeleteThis is great - even if people can replace meat a certain number of times per week, it will make a difference.
ReplyDeleteWow I'm shocked. I'm so glad people are opening up to more healthy lifestyles.
ReplyDeleteBeing vegan sounds very interesting.
ReplyDelete