Sustainable, cruelty-free, antibiotic-free, ethically-produced, plant-based veganism which was a niche sector till recently is now gaining worldwide popularity.
It’s ethical. It’s bound to win the day.
Sustainable, cruelty-free, antibiotic-free, ethically-produced, plant-based veganism which was a niche sector till recently is now gaining worldwide popularity. As distinct from vegetarianism, veganism seeks to avoid the unnecessary disturbing or suffering of all living beings and is practiced as a diet, lifestyle, and fashion alternative with people choosing plant-based products over those made from or mandates testing on animals. Veganism was the minority of another minority class of vegetarians but is now enjoying the spotlight with the move towards conscious living gaining currency during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Initially, the term vegan was used to describe non-dairy vegetarians, but in 1951 the Vegan Society updated the definition to “exclude all forms of animal exploitation”.
The term vegan first surpassed “beef” as a search term in 2016. The global market share of plant-based foods is projected to reach US $10,892 million by the end of 2022 with a CAGR of 6.7%. Thus, “to the meat or not to meat?” is a question that begets its answer when you see non-meat choices as healthier, sustainable, ethical, and planet-friendly.
According to the Good Food Institute, sales of plant-based foods grew three times faster than overall food sales in 2021. In food, beauty products, and products used in everyday living, increasingly labels carrying the terms “organic”, “cruelty-free”, “climate-friendly”, “lactose-free”, and “vegan” are inviting curiosity.
With climate events rocking different geographies at different times, sustainability has gained traction in everyday living choices. Animal agriculture is the second largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions after fossil fuels. It also leads to deforestation, water, and air pollution, and biodiversity loss.
What’s good for the planet is good for us as well. And in food, cosmetics, or fashion labels, one doesn’t have to look too hard to find conscious living, vegan alternatives that celebrate the idea of harmonious co-existence. What’s more, vegan food spans an inspiring, diverse palette of flavors now, and burgers, bakery, and snack fillings can be easily expanded to include vegan alternatives. >>MORE
