2020, year of the vegan?

2020 marks the start of a new decade, a fresh chance for the human race to take responsibility for their actions, and become aware of the impact our eating habits are having on poor old Mother Earth. Will 2020 be the year of the vegan? Are the majority waking up to new possibilities, and leading a more ethical lifestyle? The first day of 2020 saw a record number of 300,000 people sign up to Veganuary. A bright start to the new year for the vegan community.

On February 10^th the vegan messiah Joaquin Phoenix won an Oscar for his performance of Joker. Already worshipped in the vegan community for his outspoken animal rights activism, and his tireless promotion and dedication to the vegan lifestyle which, earned him PETA’s 2019 person of the year. Mr Phoenix decided to use his acceptance speech at this year’s Oscars, in front of millions of viewers worldwide to speak about issues affecting the human race in the world today, such as the importance of showing compassion, and the need for racial and gender equality. However, it was when he spoke about the plight of dairy cows, and expressed the heartbreaking story of how the Mother is artificially inseminated so that she can produce milk for humans to consume, all whilst her baby calf is stolen from her at birth. After his emotive and articulate speech, there was hardly a dry eye in the room. I foresee Jaoquins famous speech being responsible for numerous more people around the world embracing the plant-based lifestyle in 2020. It has been named as the speech that broke the internet.

We cannot ignore the global pandemic we are all experiencing, COVID-19 is a disease spread to humans by the captivity, slaughter, and consumption of animals. The mainstream media outlets are more interested in causing panic and pandemonium among the populace, by reporting the ever-increasing death toll, the rapid spread of the disease, and the need for us to avoid strangers and stay inside. The inconvenient truth of the matter is neglected, the media fail to report on the animal link to this outbreak. Let’s not beat around the bush here, human-caused animal exploitation is the real reason for this pandemic like others before it. The continued abuse and consumption of non-human animals is killing our planet, if we do not change our ways as a race the human species will become extinct.

2019 revealed signs that the tide is turning, several massive global food chains introduced vegan options onto their menus. Greggs premiered the vegan sausage roll, and the vegan steak bake, Burger King released a vegan burger, and KFC introduced vegan chicken wings onto their otherwise barbaric menu. Last year also saw the release of Gamechangers, a documentary film showcasing elite athletes, special ops soldiers, and visionary scientists, all performing at the very highest level. Debunking the myth that vegans are weak, protein-deficient sissies. Abstaining from the consumption of all animal-based products is becoming more popular by the day. More people than ever before are beginning to convert to being more environmentally conscious and making the effort to reduce their meat intake and their carbon footprint.

With the beginning of a new decade ahead, we as inhabitants of this planet have the opportunity to become a part of the solution to the climate crisis. All the blissfully ignorant meat heads have been complicit in contributing to the destruction of our environment. The time to act is now, unfortunately, the situation is worsening every year. That being said, it’s not too late to make a change for the better. Animals manage to live harmoniously with the environment that provides a life and a home for them. Why are we the so-called intelligent race incapable of doing so? There is undeniable evidence that animals, just like humans, are sentient beings capable of suffering. The vegan lifestyle is the most effective way for us to contribute in a positive way to our environment and its inhabitants. Go vegan in 2020 for your health, your planet, and the future of mankind.