Opinion: “Why it’s time to ditch Veganuary”

Do you think of Veganuary as a way to make ethical food choices? It may be time to think again. The narrative around this well-meaning yearly ritual is outdated and the choices it asks you to make are increasingly impractical. That’s because, when it comes to the food we buy and eat, simply focusing
on the ‘what’ by avoiding animal products doesn’t address the critical question we should really be asking: how is our food produced?

The true impact of our diets on the world around us goes far deeper than what’s on the plate – it’s about the systems behind it. You may feel virtuous by eating only plants for a month, but were those plants grown by intensive farming, degrading the land and depleting ecosystems? Did their cultivation involve chemical-heavy practices, harming human health and the environment? The sad truth is that a lot of crop farming on this planet is damaging the environment and endangering human health.

That’s why we need to get beyond diet labels, because the idea of ‘plants good, meat bad’ is oversimplistic. Monocropped staples like soy and almonds, for instance, farmed on an industrial scale to make plant-based milks and other products, can destroy habitats and strain natural resources. By contrast, well managed livestock systems can restore soil and capture carbon, and have the potential to enhance the health of an ecosystem.

Of course, I’m not criticising people for following a vegan diet in January. All of us want a heathier planet, but the answer isn’t to subscribe to a single diet, for however long. Rather it’s about supporting food systems that work in harmony with nature, prioritise sustainability and support farmers. The conversation on ethical eating needs to shift from blanket exclusions of certain foods and towards thoughtful inclusivity. Regenerative farming – whether it involves plants, animals or both – offers a way to produce food that heals the earth while nourishing us.

Regenerative methods of farming offer hope for the future of the Earth. They can restore soil and enhance biodiversity. So I urge you this January: rather than following trends, make informed choices based on how your food was produced. Eating locally, seasonally, and regeneratively isn’t just better for the planet – it’s better for us all.

As 2025 begins, let’s move beyond facile narratives and focus on real solutions that balance health and sustainability. Instead of thinking Veganuary, let’s think #Regenuary – and let’s be thinking about it for every month of the year.

Farshad is the founder and CEO of The Ethical Butcher and originator of the Regenuary movement. Follow @EthicalButcher on Instagram. Learn more about regenerative farming.