A new burger for World Vegan Day

World Vegan Day is an annual event that has been running for 25 years, thanks to the growing popularity of veganism. Celebrated across the world, the day aims to celebrate veganism and raise awareness of the benefits of veganism for humans, animals and the environment.

Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products – with a focus on diet, but also in other products too. The philosophy of veganism centres on the idea that animals shouldn’t be used as a commodity, although people also practice veganism for environmental reasons. Farming is a major contributor of climate change, and many environmental organisations advocate vegan diets as a method of helping to fight climate change.

Although veganism has modern benefits, the practice can be dated back centuries. One of the earliest known vegans was the Arab poet al-Maʿarri, who lived from 973 to 1057. His reasons for being vegan related to health, animal welfare and his belief in reincarnation.

Fascinating veganism facts:

• If everyone in the world went vegan, global greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by two thirds.
• Farmed animals and farming by-products emit 32 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
• Each cow produces 700 litres of methane a day, which is 20x more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide.
• Approximately 3.5 billion humans could live from the food that is currently fed to livestock.
• There are an estimated 3.5 million vegans in the UK. By 2025, it is expected a quarter of the UK population will identify as vegan or vegetarian.