Tash Oakley took to social media overnight (she’s in Italy, duh) to announce that she’s “going vegan.” The decision comes in response to increasing public knowledge of the benefits of a vegan diet on one’s personal health and the environment. “Officially on a Vegan diet in respect for my own body, all animals and for future generations,” she wrote.
As was expected, everyone wanted to give his or her two cents. With over 250,000 views and 800+ comments, you can only imagine what was said. Along with concerns for Tash’s nutrition (where will you get your protein?) and other palaver, there were the unintelligent yet unsurprising remarks, “Do you know that veganism is not just a diet, it means no fur jackets or leather handbags, too?” Yes, she knows—she’s all in. Overall, however, the sentiment was extremely positive, with followers congratulating Tash and thanking her for using her reach to promote the cause.
While Tash is usually one to set trends, she’s following a growing number of celebs and plebs alike making the choice to be done with wearing and consuming animals. Veganism and vegetarianism are growing globally. In Australia, the number of adults whose diet is all or almost all vegetarian has risen from 1.7 million people (or 9.7% of the population) to almost 2.1 million (11.2%) in the past four years alone. The US also has a significant vegan population (it only takes a visit to L.A. to know that). But we’re not leading the charge; Australia is the third fastest growing vegan market in the world, behind the United Arab Emirates and China.
So, why the sudden surge? Aside from the obvious cruelty reasons, the shift to a more plant-based diet is due in large part to an increase in awareness of the impact of animal agriculture on the environment and the body. The shocking findings of the World Health Organisation along with a rise in media attention around the lifestyle and the release of documentaries such as Cowspiracy, Beyond The Flood and What The Health—regardless of how biased—has projected veganism into the mainstream. And now, with influencers like Tash joining the cause, the trend will only continue.
If you thought nut milk was just a fad and now you’re happily downing your almond lattes, beware. Before you start a paleo petition, it’s best to educate yourself otherwise you might be eating your words … with a side of vegetables.
Want to learn more on the subject? Read How much better is going Vegan for the environment, really? and ease in by starting with Meatless Monday, there are many surprising reasons it’s worth doing. Worried about what you’ll eat? Vegan meals can be seriously delicious. If you don’t believe us, try it for a day with this breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.
