Greener veganism that can support your local community

Vegan Society Member, Annie Button, explores how a vegan lifestyle can support local communities and create a better environment overall

While the ethical and environmental motivations behind veganism are widely acknowledged, the conventional approach to vegan living can sometimes overlook one important factor: supporting local communities.

By prioritising locally grown and produced products and services, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact while simultaneously supporting local vegetable growers, businesses and communities. Here’s how your vegan lifestyle can support your local community and create a better environment overall.

Benefits of greener, community-focused veganism

There are many benefits to community-focused veganism. Firstly, sourcing your food or products from local suppliers minimises carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation and lowers the food miles associated with your meals. Secondly, supporting local vegetable growers and businesses through your vegan purchases strengthens the economic fabric of your community. 

However, being able to shop locally will depend on where you live and the access you have to nearby markets and retailers in your area. If your nearest shop is a mainstream supermarket, making a few sustainable changes to your buying habits are still valuable. Well-known supermarkets have vegan options and ethically-sourced produce you can purchase. Therefore, by redirecting your spending toward locally owned and operated establishments, you’re actively investing in the prosperity of your neighbourhood. This not only fosters a more resilient local economy but also promotes job creation and community self-sufficiency.

Beyond the environmental and economic benefits, community-focused veganism plays a crucial role in strengthening community ties and enhancing food security. Engaging with local food systems allows us to develop a deeper connection with the people and processes involved in producing our meals. This fosters a sense of community pride and appreciation for the hard work from local farms, vegetable growers, and food producers.

A gateway to a more sustainable lifestyle

While the primary focus of greener, community-based veganism is on food choices and supporting local systems, this mindset can naturally extend to other aspects of daily life. It’s common for people who go vegan to become more conscious of their environmental impact in other areas of their life too. When we see others living their lives in a compassionate way, it can inspire us to try doing the same.

One area where this can manifest itself is in shopping habits. Just as locally sourced vegan foods reduce carbon emissions from transportation, seeking out used items, from companies or neighbours, that have a lower impact on the planet may become second nature. Recent research by MPB suggests that the global recommerce market is expected to grow 80% by 2028. Additionally, a greener, community-focused lifestyle often involves being more discerning about the companies and brands one supports, which has a ripple effect to the businesses that crop up around us.

Home-grown veganism and a communal spirit

Another healthy choice for a greener lifestyle and to experience a real sense of community,  you might prefer to grow your own fruit and vegetables on an allotment in your neighbourhood. If you are fortunate enough to live near one, growing your own fruit and veggies on an allotment is a fantastic way to join your vegan community, spend time together, and share home-grown knowledge with friends, family members, and neighbours. 

Alternatively, for a healthy vegan lifestyle, grow your own seasonal produce in a garden if you have access to one, a greenhouse, or on a vegetable patch. This sustainable option allows you to steer clear of supermarket aisles for a greener way of living if you have the outdoor space to do so. Plus, if you grow too much to eat yourself, sharing spare fruit and veggies with neighbours is a great way to contribute to your local community. 

Thinking about how your vegan lifestyle affects the wider community has the potential to serve as a gateway to a broader lifestyle shift towards sustainability and conscious consumerism. Conscientious consumers choose to align their spending with businesses that prioritise sustainability, ethical labour practices and community initiatives. This could mean favouring companies that use eco-friendly materials, implement robust recycling programmes, or actively support local charitable initiatives.

An opportunity for advocacy

Veganism is about compassion and justice, not just your diet. You can use your voice to advocate for animal welfare policies or sustainable agricultural practices in your community. Community-focused veganism presents opportunities for direct involvement and engagement. That might mean joining volunteer programmes, inviting individuals to contribute their time and effort to spread the vegan word. This hands-on experience not only deepens your connection to the lifestyle but also fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment.

There are many ways to advocate for veganism within your community, whether it’s asking high street shops and restaurants to provide more vegan options to writing to your MP or policy makers to have your say on animal rights. As the saying goes, change starts at home, and educating those around you on the benefits of a vegan diet can have a huge impact.

Cultivating compassionate communities

Embracing a vegan lifestyle is a profound journey, one that requires us to revisit our core values, expand our knowledge and seek out like-minded communities. But it’s important to remind ourselves of the reasons that ignited our desire for change and fuel our resolve with continuous education.

Navigating the complexities of a non-vegan world can be daunting, but we don’t need to go it alone. Digital platforms have given rise to vibrant online communities, where people can come together to share recipes, exchange local restaurant recommendations, and offer invaluable support or advice. Podcasts dedicated to vegan living have also emerged as powerful catalysts for fostering connection and inspiring us with their insightful narratives.

However, while virtual communities provide invaluable sustenance, there is an undeniable power in physical gatherings. Vegan festivals, groups at universities and conferences, though often requiring travel and financial commitment, are all examples that can offer transformative connections and conversations, allowing us to meet like-minded individuals and reminding us of the collective strength of a growing movement.

Adopting a vegan lifestyle extends far beyond personal dietary choices – it represents a profound commitment to compassion, sustainability and community wellbeing. By embracing a greener, community-focused approach to veganism, we not only reduce our environmental impact but also contribute to the economic vitality and resilience of our local communities.

About the author: Annie Button is a freelance writer based in the UK. Annie writes for a variety of prestigious online and print publications. A vegan for 12 years, she is a member of The Vegan Society. Visit Annie's website to find out more or follow them on Twitter @anniebutton1994.