Was taking part in Veganuary just the tip of the iceberg for you?
We hear from many participants who were so inspired by their month of trying vegan that they want to make a permanent lifestyle change. And that could mean more than just eating vegan.
Here’s how to help animals after Veganuary, from getting involved in activism to making ethical wardrobe swaps.
1. Get active for animals
There are many animal protection groups that need volunteers, such as The Humane League and Viva. If you’re a student interested in vegan outreach, Surge Activism have a Campus Rep programme.
Most cities have their own vegan groups, offering plenty of activism opportunities. Why not find out if there are animal sanctuaries near you that need volunteers?
2. Replace non-vegan Clothing
Leather, wool and down feather all come from animals, and producing these materials causes animal suffering.
Many people think leather is just a by-product of the meat industry, but it’s a profitable industry in itself. And did you know that sheep are frequently mutilated as they are speedily sheared for wool?
You don’t need to throw out your old woolly jumpers and leather boots if you don’t want to. Just wait for them to wear out, and then make a vegan choice when you replace them. There are lots of vegan fashion brands out there, and vegan-friendly attire is becoming more common on the high street too.
3. Swap out Toiletries and cosmetics
Lots of toiletries and make-up contain non-vegan ingredients, or they may have been tested on animals. But there are plenty of alternatives available.
Brands like Lush, The Body Shop and Superdrug’s B Beauty are great places to start. Most vegan cosmetics and toiletries are clearly labelled. Also, look for Cruelty-Free International’s Leaping Bunny mark so you know products haven’t been tested on animals.
Again, there’s no rush to completely overhaul everything you own. When you run out of products, gradually swap them for vegan alternatives.
4. Clean up your household items
Did you know that many cleaning products aren’t suitable for vegans? Everyday items like laundry detergents and cleaning sprays don’t immediately come to mind when we think about going vegan!
But don’t worry: replacing these items is easier than you may think. Well-known brands such as Zoflora and Astonish are already vegan, although many people don’t know it. Our guide to vegan cleaning products will help you switch out your existing cleaning products.
5. Donate to vegan organisations
Donating to charities campaigning for a kinder world is another way to help animals. Why not run fundraisers or donate to help non-profit organisations like Veganuary? We rely on donations to encourage people and businesses to adopt a plant-based diet for animals, human health and the environment.
Find out how you can get involved in helping us achieve our mission.
