TLDR: This is a great way to support many causes that may be important to you!

You don't need to be vegan to support this cause. By bringing awareness to veganism and transparency to animal industries, you are helping other people decide if the choice to consume and use fewer animal products is something they're willing to do. It's a great cause to contribute to if you're interested in any of the following:

• A love for animals (not just pets)

• Less pollution and greenhouse gas emission

• Healthier lifestyles and less need for medical care and medication

• More efficient and cleaner food production

• Less world hunger

• Less rainforest and wildlife habitat destruction

What's Going On

I am one of several people participating in a bicycle ride through northern India this February. The trip is organized by Veganuary, a non-profit organization based in London that helps provide the public worldwide with information they can use to decide if veganism is right for them. Their model is to introduce people to veganism as a challenge in January (hence the charity's name), but they work tirelessly year round to provide research and resources to help those interested successfully transition into the lifestyle full-time. As part of this journey through India, we are making a donation of at least $1,400  (£1,000) per person to the charity to help further their efforts. Please note, this is not the cost of travel – the full amount will be a donation.

Why This Is Important

As humans, we are becoming more and more aware of the far-reaching impact our seemingly insignificant everyday choices make on the world around us. Sometimes our actions are so ingrained in our culture, we don't even realize other choices exists! When I finally began questioning the impacts of my own actions, I found veganism to be an easy way to minimize negative effects in so many facets of life. I already had a strong affection for animals, so once I began really thinking about it and connecting the dots, it made sense for me to become vegan from that standpoint. However, as soon as I began doing a little research, I was shocked at just how far-reaching the effects of animal agriculture are. I wish I had opened my eyes to this sooner, and for this reason I am choosing to support the work of Veganuary to help others discover this lifestyle for themselves. 

Any donations you make will allow the charity to hire more staff, reach more people, do more corporate outreach so there are more vegan options out there, do more undercover investigations and so on.

Learn More

If you're thinking about researching this topic for yourself, Veganuary.com is a great place to start. I'd love to talk to you and share more resources if you're interested, as well.

Even if you're not thinking about making a drastic change to your habits, a little goes a long way! Choosing to eliminate animal products from your diet just one day a week can make a huge difference.

If you're thinking about participating in the Vegan Cycle India trip yourself (you need not be vegan), you can check out the details at https://veganuary.com/blog/vegan-cycle-india/

Sweet, you made it this far!

I really appreciate your time and consideration, and am truly grateful if you choose to help support this cause that is so close to my heart.

Special Thanks

I received a few donations to this cause via other sites or in person. They deserve recognition, too!

Jeffrey Pierce

Ashley Black

The Deamer Family

Kathleen Hughes

Jay Blanchard

Sid Jayanthi

Marissa Coolidge

Kim Chevalier

Tanner McCuin

Kate Taylor