Vegan Practically

The world lost Jane Goodall last week, but her legacy of advocacy for non-human animals will have a lasting impact. Many people have lamented her death, posting tributes and professing to share her values. In 2017, Jane Goodall wrote: “There are three main reasons why we should eat less  – or preferably no – meat. Firstly, so that we may eliminate factory farms. Secondly, to reduce the shocking damage the meat production industry inflicts on the environment and its contribution to climate change (The Guardian). And finally, to improve human health.”

This moment of reflection on the life and values of Jane Goodall, a beloved role model whom so many of us admired, is a great time to consider what she might inspire us to do. Even if we are not in a position to dedicate our lives to causes we believe in, there might be steps we can take to get a bit closer to the ideals she espoused and which we claim to respect and believe in.

Steps we might take:

• Become vegan. There are loads of resources, including this blog. If you’d like a great guide that really helped me back in 2011, I recommend Erik Marcus’ The Ultimate Vegan Guide. You can purchase it but he has also made it available for free here.
• Choose plant-based options where it might make no difference to your enjoyment of the dish.
• Get curious about plant-based options and try them on occasion
• Try Meatless Monday, opting for completely plant-based meals that include no dairy or eggs when you do.
• Sign up for Veganuary. You don’t have to wait until January to start.
• Read more about why Jane Goodall and many others have adopted a plant-based lifestyle and consider whether that aligns with your own espoused values. If it does, how closely do your actions reflect those values?

In Jane Goodall’s own words: “I continue to ask people to consider what this choice really means on a moral and practical level for animals and the environment. It is the choice to change our individual lives, which will in turn have enormous benefits for all of humanity and all of the other living creatures we share our home with.”