We are hard at work getting ready to welcome our first residents to the sanctuary this summer. As you are patiently waiting, you may be wondering what you can do to help farm animals right now. We have a suggestion for you!
VegWeek starts April 17 and nothing would make us happier than for all of our Farmaste fans to try out a plant-based diet for a week! As much as we wish we could, we can’t rescue our way out of the mistreatment of farm animals. There are simply too many who need our help. One of the most powerful things we can do is reduce the demand for animal products by eating more plants.
Photo Credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals
When people learn that I follow a vegan diet, many say “that is awesome, but I could never do it.” I used to think the same thing (stop eating cheese – NEVER!). Thinking about overhauling my diet and learning to eat in a new way felt too daunting. That is why I am such a big fan of VegWeek. It is a low-pressure way to dip a toe into the world of plant-based eating.
So, what is VegWeek? The inspiration came in 2009 when then Maryland Senator (now U.S. Congressman) Jamie Raskin said that a simple way that each of us could help the protect the planet is to choose vegetarian foods at least one week out of the year. Now, thousands of people every year take the VegWeek Pledge – a commitment to eat a vegetarian diet for at least seven days to help the animals, the planet, and their own health. If that isn’t enough, you’ll also get deals and discounts for vegetarian products.
You can sign the VegWeek pledge at usvegweek.com.
Photo Credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals
I’m guessing that many of you reading this already follow a plant-based diet. Don’t worry, you can celebrate VegWeek too! If you are vegetarian, consider trying a vegan diet for the week. If you are vegan, invite your non-veg friends over for a delicious plant-based meal or bring vegan treats in to share with your officemates.
I would also be willing to bet that some of you are thinking “I could never go a week without meat.” If you aren’t ready to commit to a week of vegetarian eating, no problem! Considering making one or two meals per day vegetarian. Or pick three days of the week to eat veg. You could even find and try one new vegetarian recipe during VegWeek.
No matter where you are on your path towards eating more plants, everyone can make a change to help farm animals during VegWeek.
Namaste.