November 1st: World Vegan Day. Initially created in 1944, it now celebrates vegans and highlights the benefits of this plant-based diet globally. With social media accelerating the rapid rise in veganism in recent years, it has become significantly more accessible. However, there is still ongoing debate over whether veganism is a detrimental trend or a sustainable lifestyle. I spoke with 15-year-old Arunima Karve who was keen to share her mixed experience with veganism.
At a young age, Arunima first tried veganism for a week in Year 6 for Veganuary, finding it fun to cook and try something new. However, not realising how many foods weren’t vegan, she ended up breaking it on the first day with pizza, and then throughout the week. As she ate meat at the time, it was a massive step as the change was very different.
Later in Year 7, during Veganuary, she became vegan for longer, describing it as “exciting, but exhausting”. She recalls facing inconveniences such as having to cook more, eat separately from her parents, and buy additional groceries (an extra cost). After switching between vegan and not vegan for periods of time throughout lockdown – she ultimately decided at the start of 2021 to commit to a vegetarian diet.
What were your initial reasons for wanting to become a vegan?
A: It was being repulsed by the idea that I was eating a once-living being. I had also just started to get interested in environmental issues so becoming vegan seemed like a good way to do my bit for the planet. I also think it was the idea of cooking for myself and possibly being ‘healthier’.”
Does being a vegan make you healthier?
A: In my opinion, veganism doesn’t necessarily make someone healthier. You don’t always have time to cook meals, so you resort to carbohydrate-rich, junk food like crisps and biscuits because they are convenient and sometimes more appealing than vegetable-loaded legumes. I think now, my reasons are a combination of non-cruelty to animals (because of the way they are treated when they are bred to be fed to us), climate change, and also habit, as it gets easier over time.
How did your family feel about your decision?
A: My dad wasn’t supportive of my decision, but my mum convinced him to let me experiment. She later agreed with him though, as I wasn’t feeling nourished or energetic. My dad still thinks I should eat meat, but my mum is fine with me being vegetarian as she is too.
So, for any aspiring teen vegans, November is World Vegan Month. A great way to get involved is (just like Arunima) by making and eating a variety of nutritious vegan dishes. Balance and motivation are key, but most importantly enjoying the experience.
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