Happy World Vegetarian day and the start of Vegetarian Awareness Month! Obviously, October is one of my favorite months where I let my veggie flag fly high. World Vegetarian Day and Vegetarian Awareness Month can be celebrated by everyone, vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
In case you wanted a more information, here you go! October 1st was recognized as World Vegetarian Day by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 and endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978. This day is “to promote the joy, compassion, and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism.” It brings awareness to the ethical, environmental, health, and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. Go veggie heads!
Needless to say, I make sure that all my friends and family are aware of this great month. My non-vegetarian friends and family often ask how they can partake in this day and month if they have no desire to become vegetarian…the answer is simple, keep an open mind and try new things. I believe it is a great time to encourage others to try a new way of living and raise awareness.
I challenge my friends, family, and readers to do little things this month that make you more aware about a vegetarian lifestyle. Here are my five challenges for you this month…
1. Visit the official website of World Vegetarian Day to understand and learn why this day was created and how you can help. There are so many useful resources on this site I still visit it!
2. Take some time to learn about the health, environmental and financial benefits of becoming a vegetarian. In the US we don’t take enough time understanding where our food is coming from.
When I take the time to learn how my food was created, what ingredients were used, and how it got into my hands, preparing it becomes an entirely new experience
3. Attend a vegetarian food festival. With it being a dedicated month to vegetarians there are many festivals and expos everywhere. Do a quick Google search or look in a local newspaper to see if there are any nearby.
4. Visit a vegetarian restaurant. I might be a little biased on this one… :) but I believe when non-vegetarians visit a vegetarian restaurant they expect lettuce dishes and leaving hungry. That is not the case at all, a vegetarian restaurant experience is unlike any other. You’re most likely not going to be leaving hungry but with a fully stomach and a sense of satisfaction.
5. Last challenge; host a meatless dinner party! If you are not the dinner party type, try doing Meatless Monday with your family during the month of October. Check out my post about Meatless Monday here.
The food possibilities are endless.
I could not be happier with my decision 5 years ago to become a vegetarian. I hope that I am able to encourage everyone to learn a little more about a vegetarian lifestyle and how it benefits you and the world around. Raise your inner veggie flag.
Go Green and Stay Keen,
Julie
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