7 minute read
VEGANUARY
Meat-free
doesn’t mean taste free
In 2021, more than half a million people signed up to Veganuary pledging to try a vegan diet.
It’s a movement that has grown hugely in recent years, as people move away from animal products and towards better health by making the change to plant-based food.
And with firms working to meet demand by introducing new products, ditching the meat and dairy has never been easier.
As Veganuary 2022 approaches, Pulse’s resident vegan Sammy Jones checked the numbers and spoke with a couple of the businesses in Milton Keynes helping to ensure that meat-free doesn’t mean bland and boring...
Veganuary launched in the UK in 2014 and is focused on changing consumer behaviours and attitudes, while providing all the information and practical support required to make the transition to veganism as easy and as enjoyable as possible through the month.
More than 580,000 people from 209 countries took part in Veganuary 2021 by signing-up to give plant-based food a try. Knowing that around 10 times as many people usually take part in Veganuary than officially sign-up through the website, means more than five million people gave vegan eating a go!
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and television presenter and conservationist Chris Packham are among those supporting the initiative.
Chris said: “Trashing the planet does none of us any good, as the coronavirus pandemic shows all too clearly. But we can emerge from this stronger and wiser, with a renewed commitment to protecting the environment, its inhabitants and our own futures. Being vegan is a great way to support the natural world and to
Chris Packham and New York City Mayor Eric Adams (inset) are backing Veganuary
40% of Veganuary participants plan to stay vegan
75% of those not staying vegan are reducing meat by 50% or more
Reasons for taking part in 2021: 46% Animals, 22% Health, 21% Environment
Plant-based dairy grew from £300m in 2017 to £608m in 2021, while plantbased meat alternatives grew from £308m in 2017 to £616m in 2021 live sustainably.”
Last year, thousands of businesses took part in Veganuary, while more than 825 new plant-based products and menus were launched including Pret’s Meatless Meatball Hot Wrap, M&S’ No Salt Beef Pretzel Roll, Subway’s Tastes Like Chicken Sub and Domino’s Chick-Ain’t pizza.
Want to give it a go for 2022? Sign up by visiting veganuary.com/try-vegan
Veganism has grown in popularity over the past decade and people are choosing the vegan lifestyle for a range of reasons.
“Mine being health,” says Sophie, a member of the Daily Bread Co-operative in Northampton. She opted to become vegan six years ago.
“I had been a vegetarian near enough all my life but I decided overnight that I would become vegan from the next day. Initially it was for my health but I learned that the benefits also include reducing my carbon footprint and helping to save animals so I feel it is the right lifestyle for me.”
More than 125,000 in the UK signed up to the Veganuary campaign last year and such is the growth in demand for vegan food that it is now impossible for retail outlets and food delivery services to ignore. Year award at this year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards.
“I have worked for this bustling wholefood shop for over four years,” says Sophie. “We source our suppliers and stock carefully and sell plenty of items that are usually hard to find elsewhere.
“I would encourage readers and friends and family to sign up to Veganuary in 2022,” Sophie added, “Even if you just added more plant-based wholefood sources into your diet, you are doing yourself, the animals and the planet some good.”
Alternatives to meat are more expensive but plant- based wholefoods such as beans, nuts and grains are both affordable and nourishing. The Daily Bread Co-operative aims to offer a range of products for Vegans and (inset) Sophie A wide variety of vegan food is now available. “We are spoilt for choice and it is never been a more appropriate time to tackle your taste buds with new, exciting foods,” says Daily Bread member John Clarke. The Christian wholefood co-operative, founded in 1980, is committed to providing not only a wide range of choice for vegans but also for particular dietary requirements including gluten free. The shop is in Bedford Road, close to Northampton town centre and customers can order online too. www.dailybread.co.uk Daily Bread sponsored the Facebook: Vegetarian/Vegan Product of the facebook.com DailyBreadNorthampton
Great for the planet and purse
We’ve written about the benefits of vegan eating, but there are other ways to help the planet too – and another fast growing market is the trend for refill shops.
We should all be recycling; it’s easier than ever to do it, but the sheer volume that fills our bins and bags every week is still scary.
Refill shops, where you bring your own containers, are the way forward. There is zero waste and zero packaging going off to landfill.
Olney now has its own refill store, The Green Way 2 Shop. The family-run business opened in August, but while the shop may be new, their passion is nothing new.
“My Dad Danny also has a Solar Panel business, The Greenway Solar, so I grew up being very aware of renewable energy and why it is necessary,” said Caitlyn Hirst, who is joined by her dad, mum Helen and sister Emily in the venture.
Caitlyn came up with the idea for the store nearly a year ago, while studying at Oakgrove Sixth Form.
“Plastic pollution is a very key issue that our planet faces and I wanted to help combat that in some way. Having a zero waste shop means people can buy foods and liquids with no plastic whilst also buying the quantities they need which reduces food waste. It’s my tenth, nearly all of our customers always grab some chocolate!” Caitlyn said.
“We have refillable liquids, and our Neroli
Laundry Liquid and Ginger Washing Up Liquid is very popular. We also have unique hazelnut spread and peanut butter machines which customers are fascinated by. They are a healthier alternative to branded nut butters.” The store also carries stocks of gluten free products, coffee, jams, preserves and much more, and it has proven a big success. “The response has been phenomenal,” Caitlyn acknowledges, “Olney has been incredibly supportive and residents are eager to make their individual changes. It’s already an eco conscious town, so we knew it was a perfect place for our shop. Its reputation is now spreading to wider villages outside of Olney, which is amazing!”
belief that the shop will not only allow me to do my bit, but will help other people to do theirs as well.”
And inviting people to switch from throwaway plastic to Tupperware and reusables has been easy.
“People come in wanting to make a change, and they love the idea of bringing their own containers and pots, so it hasn’t been hard at all,” Caitlyn told Pulse.
Aside from being environmentally sound, a trip to The Green Way 2 Shop is also a way to It’s easy to stock up at save money too, isn’t it? The Green Way 2 Shop
“Absolutely!” Caitlyn promises, “What shocks people most is the prices of our herbs and spices. On average a pot comes in at between 10 and 20 pence, whereas in a shop you sometimes pay at least £1.50.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, chocolate is a big winner here too.
“Our most popular items are the chocolate covered nuts, fruits and honeycomb. Whether it’s someone’s first time in the shop or their Visit thegreenway2shop.co.uk
Only £895 for a fully fitted electric door.
Gotta get a Garolla.
Zero Waste Refill Shop
- WEIGH - FILL - WEIGH - LABEL - PAY -
- Bring in your empty containers and refill - Household Liquids - Cereals, Nuts, Seeds, Pulses, Legumes, Pasta, Rice, Tea, Coffee - Non-Plastic Household items
25 High Street South, Olney, Bucks MK46 4AA 01234 385044 info@thegreenway2shop.co.uk www.thegreenway2shop.co.uk
NOW ONLY £895
WAS £1,354 INC VAT
WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR:
FREE EXPERT MEASURING & FITTING TWO REMOTE CONTROLS ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR
Garolla garage doors are strong and solidly built. They’re made to measure in our own UK factories. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically taking up only 8 inches inside your garage. Our expert installers will fit your new door and take away the old one so there’s no mess.
Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up completely Free.
Offer valid for openings up to 2.6m wide & inc: 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.
GOTTA GET A GAROLLA
CALL US TODAY 01604 930 351
MOBILE 07537 149 128
