Germany celebrates Veganuary

A trend of going vegan in January, now known as 'Veganuary' has grown in popularity. People replace their meat intake for a month with plant-based alternatives for at least 31 days.

The popularity of Veganuary in recent years may be an indication that veganism and vegetarianism are on the rise. In Germany, famous for sausages and schnitzel, meat eating has decreased over the last few years.

In 1989, Germans consumed 60 kilograms of meat per person per year. However, that number fell to 52 kilograms per person in 2023. This data's been good news to Sebastian Joy, head of 'Pro-Veg International'.

Sebastian Joy: "On the one hand, it's good for the animals in factory farming, it's good for climate change and it's better for consumer health."

People have lowered their meat intake for various reasons. Reasons range from animal cruelty to drugs used on farm animals to climate change and the environment. This is reflected in the comments of attendees at a Berlin vegan festival.

Britta Lange: "Why do I eat less meat? The main reason is animals, because in recent years we've learned a lot more about how they're killed, how they're treated and where they come from."

Vera: "Animals are living beings. They feel pain just like we do which is why I'm turning away from meat. And then there are all these toxic substances that go into food like antibiotics. I think it's very bad, but it's been like that for decades."

Florian Bussmann: "I think everyone has a responsibility towards the climate. Reducing your meat consumption is a good contribution to protecting the environment and animals too. Plus, it's better for your health."

Veganuary, the organisation which promotes veganism in January, reported that in 2022, 629,000 people in 228 countries registered and took part. Of the 629,000 participants, 36 percent went vegan and most of the others halved their meat consumption and would try veganism in the future.

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