Whether you are new to veganism or whether you are a seasoned veteran, there are always more ways to actively contribute towards the cause. Many of us contemplate resolutions as we start a new year. As we enter 2023, this is a great opportunity to remind ourselves that there is no time like now. Here are some ideas for vegan related resolutions to add to your list.

Get involved in animal rights activism

Non-human animals cannot galvanise their own movement. Therefore, of all the oppressed beings on this planet, they are some of the most in need of allies. The animal rights movement is growing and offers more and more opportunities for individuals to be those allies. 

Make contact with groups like Earthlings Experience, We The Free, We Stand For The Animals and Anonymous for the Voiceless. All of these organisations do street outreach and welcome fellow warriors into the fray. Join vigils at slaughterhouses with the Save Movement or the bolder among you, disruption events with organisations like Direct Action Everywhere are something to consider. 

The above are only examples of what is on offer should you wish to get more involved in the fight for animal rights. You could even just go at it solo if that is something you’d prefer. Design and print out your own leaflets, organise talks at schools or businesses, etc. Get into rights-based activism by getting creative.

Get active with vegan runners

Getting more exercise is often a goal many strive for at the start of a new year. Running is a great way to get and keep fit. Vegan Runners state they are one of the largest and most active vegan communities in the UK. By joining them you’ll connect with other vegans whilst donning one of the group’s signature running vests. This vest also announces to the world that being vegan does not hinder one’s ability in being fit and healthy.

Experiment more in the kitchen

Should you wish to expand your culinary horizons, there are a myriad of vegan recipe books to choose from and an even greater selection of vegan recipes online. BOSH! is one of the many perfect resources to get you started. Their recipes tend to be relatively easy and more accessible and cater to everyone’s different needs. Their Bangin’ Bolognese is a firm favourite here at V-Land UK, so why not give it a try?

Another fantastic option is Avant-Garde Vegan, but do be warned that the majority of their recipes are for the technically proficient. Should neither of these two recommendations take your fancy, simply search for the recipe of the vegan version of your favourite dish on the world wide web. Many vegan foodies started off their culinary adventure this way and who knows, maybe like some of them, you might just end up publishing your own cookbook too.

Read more books about veganism

Whichever book you prefer - physical, electronic or audio - there is a wide selection to peruse on the topic of veganism. Reading is educational, can positively challenge our world view and help promote mental wellbeing. Animal Liberation from Peter Singer was first released in 1975 and is as important today as it was then. The book questions the way we treat non-human animals and has been hugely influential to many over the decades. 

Another great read is How Not To Die by Michael Greger. The author provides science based advice on how to use nutrition to prevent lifestyle diseases. Spoiler alert - a whole food plant-based diet is optimal for health.

This Is Vegan Propaganda: (And Other Lies the Meat Industry Tells You) by Ed Winters is another V-Land UK recommendation. Winters addresses how our dietary choices and exploitation of non-human animals impact the world.

There really is no shortage of good literature on the topic of veganism. The sooner you start, the more you can read.

Watch more vegan documentaries/films

If you’re not a book person, documentaries and films will expand your vegan knowledge. The existence of the International Vegan Film Festival is a testament to the variety and quality of the content currently being produced. The annual event ran its 5th year in 2022. Their 2022 listing is worth looking at for inspiration.

There are also the more mainstream options like Earthlings; Land of Hope and Glory and Dominion - all of which powerfully put the plight of non-humans front and centre. Okja is a fictional action-adventure Netflix movie that tackles the same subject matter. It’s the story of a young girl who rescues a genetically modified “super pig” from mistreatment at the hands of the meat industry and is most certainly worth the watch. 

Broader plant-based subjects include health and the environment so there is lots to get to grips with and many angles and perspectives to consider. Grab a friend or two and get watching. 

Donate to an animal charity

If you are in a position to do so, make a one-off or regular donation to a reputable animal charity. Most donations made by the British public are allocated to human needs and causes and animal charities are often a second thought.  

Most animal sanctuaries are more often than not in desperate need of support. They are the ones who give animals a second chance, but that comes at a financial cost. Even small donations make a difference when added up. Donating shouldn’t be a grand gesture. There is no donation too small. £20 will buy a bale of hay and £35 a bale of straw. 

Volunteer at an animal sanctuary

If you’re not in a financial position to donate, but have some time on your hands, volunteering is donating your time. Animal sanctuaries need your donated time as much as they need your donated funds. Looking after the needs of animal residents takes time and effort and hands are often in short supply.  

Volunteering for and with animals is also a great way to connect with and acknowledge the individuals who are not considered to be worthy companion animals by our society. These fellow earthlings have their own needs and personalities and we don’t often have the opportunity to be reminded of this. Go and make their home the best it can be and maybe, just maybe, you’ll make a great new friend along the way.  

Support your local vegan business and events

Many events feature larger brands, but they mostly give smaller street food and independent vegan businesses an opportunity to showcase their wares and fares. More events are being run across the UK than ever before. Handy resources to find an event closest to you include the Vegan Events UK and The Vegan Society websites.

If you are not able to attend such events, remember that small independent businesses are the lifeblood of British highstreets and our local communities. While having more plant-based options available in the mainstream is fantastic, small independent businesses led the way in making veganism accessible. Do try and support local vegan businesses. They very much need our support, particularly in areas where vegans may be in short supply.

If you have ideas on how to get more active for the vegan cause in 2023, we would love for you to share them in the comment sections on our social media accounts. 

If you’re looking for more inspiration to step on the vegan activism ladder, check out creative career choices that contribute towards activism and unique UK animal rights activism approaches.