Vegan? Almost vegan? What’s “vegan”?
This list is pretty damn close to a One Size Fits All, which always seems like an impossible claim—until you slip it on and feel pleasantly surprised.
Maybe 4 out of 11 make your cut. Or maybe you leave here with only one keeper. That would be more than alright by me.
Because one commitment, one action, one donation, one animal… Every one can lead to another. And then another. And another. Before you know it, we find ourselves together on one big ass f*cking team making a whole lot of difference.
So, here’s hoping that you’re into at least one!
1. Consume less
Less plastic. Less animal products, including materials like wool and leather. Less anything with a carbon footprint.
Earth was not made for you or for me—we’re all just destined to share it. So instead, try more resourcefulness, more effort, and more love. 🖤
2. Connect with nature
Spend more time with the natural world, appreciating animals in the environment they’ve been designed to inhabit. Who knows who you might meet!
3. Invest in vegan or Earth-friendly brands
Disclaimer: Neither myself, Romeo, or Cruz are in any position to offer sound financial advice.
With a bit of research and risk—and a splash of conviction—starting a portfolio of stocks in companies like Beyond Meat or Ingredion could be a cool way to get involved in innovative solutions that can benefit animals and the planet.
4. Lend a helping hand
Find a local or remote volunteer opportunity. Not sure where to start? Mercy For Animals and The Humane League both have great community organizing programs.
5. Start a monthly donation to your favorite animal protection charity
As a fundraiser for Compassion in World Farming, I can tell you that a monthly gift is the simplest yet most effective way to support any nonprofit. And it doesn’t have to be a big gift. Because any amount you commit to will add up over time, creating change for animals month after month.
6. Visit an animal sanctuary
Ooh, this is a really good one! To see firsthand how animals should and could be loved is a life-changing event.
Unlike zoos which stand to make a profit, sanctuaries are caring, safe spaces for animals. Here are a few I’ve been lucky to visit over the years:
💜 Saving Grace Animal Sanctuary, in Acton, CA
💜 Farm Sanctuary, with locations in Acton, CA, and Watkins Glen, NY
💜 The Gentle Barn, with locations in Dittmer, MO, Santa Clarita, CA, and Christiana, TN
7. Read Animal Liberation by Peter Singer
For animal rights activists, Animal Liberation is like the most fundamental and essential reading material of the animal protection movement—and I still haven’t read it!!
I hope you’ll join me with this one because I am starting TODAY.
8. Master your personal, vegan take on pizza
And then share it with friends and family!
Why pizza? Because Google tells me it’s the most popular meal around the world. So if you’re trying to get others to join you on the plant-based wagon, pizza seems like a good in.
Making a savory pie with Miyoko’s Creamery Vegan Pizza Mozzarella has long been on my to-do list. 2023 is going to be the year! 😆
9. Use your voice for animals
I’m talking about signing petitions, emailing your elected officials, and attending demonstrations. Every day there is a plethora of actions to choose from. And many will only take a minute or two of your time.
To get started, visit the website of an animal advocacy group and navigate to their action page—it should hopefully be easy to find—or subscribe to their email newsletter. Here are a few organizations doing important work for animals, and they could really use your support:
💜 PETA, aka People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
💜 World Animal Protection
💜 Animal Legal Defense Fund
10. Watch The Smell of Money
Alright, this one might be kinda tough. The Smell of Money has yet to be widely released, but catch it if you can!
Debuted in 2022, the documentary gives a stirring account of a North Carolina community’s battle with an industrial pig farm that’s polluted their air and water—and upended their lives.
A story about the power of love for one’s family and community to triumph over even the largest forces of injustice, The Smell of Money calls upon viewers to see the people behind what’s on our plates—and to join the fight for a better future for us all.
11. Support vegan businesses
Money isn’t real. But what you choose to do with it is! So when you’re dining out, or you’re perusing the aisles of Target for a new shampoo or mascara (Pacifica 👀), try all-vegan. More of these cruelty-free restaurants and companies will succeed if we support them.
Annnnddddd, that’s a wrap! Happy New Year, lovers!