Preloved’s very own National Second Hand Day is almost upon us. This year we’ve focussed on how second hand and sustainable living can help protect the planet. But what else can we do besides supporting second hand? This April is Earth Day 2022 so we’re taking a look at what immediate changes we can all make to help. Can a vegan diet really make a difference, even if it’s just one day a week?
Earth Day 2022 | April 22nd
Earth Day is an annual event, held every April 22. It’s a time to look at supporting environmental protection. For over 50 years Earthday.org has hosted a range of events globally, including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. The official theme for this year is Invest In Our Planet. One way we can ‘invest’ is to try a vegan diet.
What’s Veganism?
Veganism simply not using animal products, particularly in your diet. Instead of consuming meat, dairy and eggs, vegans have a diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. Vegans also don’t use items made from animals, such as leather.
Many famous faces have turned to veganism, including Beyonce, Billie Eilish, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lewis Hamilton, and actress Jessica Chastain.
Is A Vegan Diet Better For The Planet?
Meat consumption’s grown by a staggering 20% over the last decade. This is having a devastating impact on the planet. The meat industry is responsible for almost a fifth of our man-made greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, going vegan is more effective in combatting emissions than switching to a “greener” car.
- Meat production causes enormous amounts of pollution, and the industry is one of the biggest causes of the climate crisis.
- A study from Oxford University found going vegan was the single biggest way to reduce our carbon footprint, by up to 73%.
- Studies show that vegan diets tend to have far lower carbon, water and ecological footprints than those of meat eaters.
- Many people become vegan for animal welfare reasons. Vegans are thought to save up to 200 animals each year simply by avoiding meat, dairy and eggs.
Is A Vegan Diet Better For Our Health?
Becoming vegan is a great choice to make for your own health. Typically, vegans:
- Are less likely to develop heart disease, certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Get all the protein, fibre, and minerals they need without the cholesterol and saturated animal fat from a non-vegan diet.
- Weigh an average of 20Ibs less, with higher energy levels.
- Get more beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, iron, potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E.
However, it’s worth noting that vegan diets can provide less key nutrients if meals aren’t properly planned!
Be A One-Day-Wonder Vegan For Earth Day 2022
Lots of people are put off the vegan lifestyle because they don’t want to give up their favourite foods. But you don’t have to make it a permanent thing. In fact, switching your family to veganism for just 1 day a week would be the equivalent of taking your car off the road for over a month!
Gone are the days of boring options for vegans. Since the vegan diet’s become more mainstream, food manufacturers have had to branch out. This means there are more tasty options now available. You can still get most of your favourite food types, whether it’s ice cream, pizzas, or simple sandwich fillers.
Check Out These Tasty Recipes To Get You Started
Special Offer For Our Preloved Members
We’ve teamed up with our sister company, MyVegan, to bring you a special offer just in time for Earth Day 2022.
To get you started on your vegan journey, we’re offering our members the chance to get 35% Off at MyVegan, which includes a gorgeous, sustainably made, plant-based water bottle for just £9.99. And better still, while stocks last, they’re throwing in free sunflower seeds!
Simply use code EARTHDAY at the checkout for your 35% off. This offer ends April 30th.
