Happy World Vegan Day!
The vegan way of life is increasingly establishing itself in society as a way of life that can be practiced easily.
World Vegan Day originated in England in 1994, when vegan animal rights activist Louise Wallis was looking for a suitable setting to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vegan Society. As President of the Vegan Society, her aim was not only to emphasise the continued existence of a vegan association, but also to draw attention to the fact that the word ‘vegan’ had found its way into the English language.
You do not have to belong to a club or organization to celebrate World Vegan Day. You can also do this within your circle of friends and acquaintances or with work colleagues by serving up something tasty and thereby bringing others to the taste of vegan food.
So it doesn’t matter whether you celebrate World Vegan Day on a large or small scale – why not try going Vegan for a day, or turn one of your favourite recipes vegan?
Find out about the above information and more through the The Vegan Society |! They provide recipes, facts & figures, resources – and lot’s more!
Find out the benefits of going vegan for the planet here - 14 Environmental Benefits of Veganism: Can It Save The Planet?
What you can do
There are many ways to reduce your environmental impact, increase your understanding of sustainability, or take small steps to reduce your carbon footprint. Whatever you would like to achieve, here are some examples of what you can do both on- and off-campus!
Networks/Societies
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Students from all backgrounds working together to build a more understanding and welcoming society through running campaigns for policy change, educating people about asylum and refugee protections, volunteering and fundraising.
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Through growing plants, observing nature, and providing opportunities for personal projects, participants are encouraged to learn about and put into action regenerative sustainability and learn to farm their own food and fauna.
Intersectional Feminism Society
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Intersectional Feminism Society is all about inclusively, bringing people together and making friends. Being a controversial subject matter, the society hopes to welcome and educate all with an interest in equality, allowing those who desire to make changes to society able to do so in a safe and diplomatic social manner.
Events, Committees, and Campaigns
Sustainability Sessions
- This is a new initiative this year, run by our President. Sustainability Sessions give students the chance to drop-in and feedback on sustainability at Winchester. These are advertised on our social media but don't worry, if you missed out you can fill in an online feedback form here.
Environment and Sustainability Committee
- The Student Union has a dedicated forum for sustainability known as the Environment and Sustainability Committee. Students can often join and any student wishing to should contact the President (SU_PRES@winchester.ac.uk). The Committee discusses student feedback and sustainability at the Union, including impacts and current work.
Food Drive
- As part of our initiative to tackle food poverty, we host Food Drives regularly throughout the year. Come along and pick up some food, toiletries, and more for free, or donate some items if you have any to spare! We also give away our Meal Totes – tote bags with the ingredients for a complete meal inside, along with a recipe! These are advertised on our website and social media - so keep an eye out!
Clothes Drive
- To tackle fast fashion and the rising CoL, we’ve been hosting Clothes Drives! Donate your unwanted clothes to the Student Union Officers (and receive a prize!) or come along to the Clothes Drives to pick up some free clothes, accessories, and more! Keep an eye out on our social media.
Cost of Living Tuesdays!
- As part of our Cost of Living Tuesdays, we alternate between hosting Breakfast Club and the Aldi Shuttle Bus. Come along for some free breakfast + a hot drink, or wait until the evening and receive a free round-trip to Aldi in order to purchase some essentials. Find out more on our Cost of Living Hub.
Our blogs
We publish a range of blogs for students to read covering a range of sustainable issues, why not take a look at some below?
Further reading
You may want to take a look at our Resources page for a comprehensive list of other links and resourses to peruse, but here are some of our Union-made resources, specifically for students:
