Happy 2023! As ever, our environmentally-minded team is back with another (delicious) initiative to get stuck into.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people across the UK and worldwide join Veganuary, a global pledge and campaign headed by the Vegan Society which is all about eating vegan food for the first month of the year.
The vegan diet (and lifestyle) often makes the headlines for its strict beliefs and adjustments to everyday life. But more people each year turn vegan for environmental reasons, and the data shows the impact is undeniable: to grow 100g worth of protein in beef meat, 50kg of greenhouse gases are emitted. Comparing it to 100g of protein found in lentils, the impact on emissions from an alternative is minimal (0.84kg). This is because beef is the culprit of multiple sources of emissions - deforestation to clear land, sourcing and transporting feed and water, as well as the methane emissions from the animals themselves. Often, swapping for an alternative ingredient in your favourite dish can be a feast for the senses, as we eagerly prepare, cook and taste our food to discern the differences. While the adjustment might feel and taste unusual at first, it is leading us down a path of mindfulness, even though we might make a mental note to add more pepper next time.
It is now easier than ever before to try a vegan dish on the menu or choose a vegan alternative, with many companies launching plant-based products specifically to capture the interest and imagination of all those on a Veganuary journey. And it starts with something as simple as requesting plant-based milk in your coffee order, which is now mostly substituted at no extra cost - why not try a coconut mocha for a little indulgence in your day (which is Emma's favourite). For comforting warmth at the dinner table, try this simple ribollita as recommended by Hanna, and skip the Parmesan for the full vegan experience (or maybe experiment with a vegan alternative, and let us know how you find it!).