Plant-based Perception

January is nearing an end which mean Veganuary shall too. As it is a hot topic of this month I thought I'd contribute with with how this year compares to previous years as a vegan. I'm not here to complain on what is on the market, but I am here to comment on what has happened to people's perception of veganism. I also want to make it clear (despite some of society's perception of vegans) that I am also not trying to preach or encourage anyone to make the same decisions as me. I have no intention of that; I just want to comment on what I think veganism has become in 2020, and how it relates to other important lifestyle choices. 

When I went vegan I kept myself very open-minded, which I think is crucial to being a successful vegan. There are lots of wacky alternatives to meat-based recipes, that are incredible once you let go of the judgement side. Of course, it is incredibly easy to stay locked to the basics and become a very unhealthy 'junk-food' vegan as well. I once saw a tweet that was commenting on certain vegetarian options on the market where certain products create an 'illusion' to meat. Someone said something along the lines that just because they weren't eating the product anymore didn't mean they didn't miss 'the seasoning' and as funny as I found it at the time, that is what stuck with me. I have spoken to many people in the community on their decisions to go vegan. Some say they didn't like the taste of meat, whilst others did it purely for animal rights. For me, my body really struggles to cope with high levels of lentils and certainly jackfruit. If you look on the vegan market you will notice most of the vegan substitutes are made from these products. Therefore, for someone like me fake 'meat' substitutes- such as soya protein suit someone like me, as it ensures I reach my daily protein intake. With protein products in mind, this leads me on to how recently, there has been an influx in plant-based power sweeping over menus. Whilst I am in most situations all for it, there is the odd occasion where my mind feels torn over the choices. One example is the new KFC vegan 'chicken' burger, that I mentioned in my last post. Obviously I am so glad to see more places becoming accustomed to offering vegan options- I would never dismiss that, but I can't help but find morally I am confused.

The positive is, the more places that offer alternatives means that plant-based living becomes way more accessible. Therefore, if I was out and stopped at a service station I wouldn't be that vegan searching for a fruit bag or crisps as compensation for the lack of options. It also means that the more normal it becomes on a menu, the less stigma there will be eventually in society. When you go out, a vegan option will become as simple as someone ordering a gluten-free or even a vegetarian option. Also, if demand increases for plant-based products long-term, then the hope is that profit will go more towards vegetables and not the lives of many animals. It is a clever way to raise more awareness to veganism. 

However, with everything said this is where the moral debate comes in. Is it really right for me- an advocate for animal rights, to walk into a fast-food chain that makes its profit specifically on murdering chickens all for the sake of getting a plant-based meal? I end up torn between getting my protein but getting my point missed on animal welfare. It is also worth noting, KFC don't even have vegetarian-friendly fries, so who is to say that the conditions where the vegan burgers are cooked are veggie friendly? I'm not also trying to have a go at KFC, as many other places are doing the same. It is just an example. My fear is that veganism will become undermined. This is because, as more places are catching onto the Veganuary train people are viewing veganism as a 'trend' or a diet when it is far more than that.

This has also been exposed in other areas on the market. Again, it is great to see some brands starting to realise that veganism is a lifestyle but I worry that they are sometimes missing the point in other ways. For example, New Look have recently released a vegan line, which is great for finding alternatives to leather etc., yet it is not a sustainable choice- environmentally speaking. So once again I feel morally conflicted on another note. Do I save the animals or the planet? Or take brands such as Garnier with their new 'vegan formula' products. This is all a positive move in the direction. but they continue to test on animals which almost defeats the purpose of their vegan range. 

Overall, I am by no means criticising all of these brands. I do think it is amazing in 2020 to be able to walk into most stores and for there to be vegan-friendly options- whether that be food or lifestyle. However, the point I have is that these brands continue to do their research to make the ethical side of their vegan products more friendly than their current perception.

Peace and love,

Odette