In late September, we touched on World Vegetarian Day by sharing various ways that reducing the consumption of animal products can benefit public health, animal welfare and the environment. As we transition into November, it’s time to reflect on World Vegan Month.

The benefits gained from a vegetarian lifestyle increase exponentially when making the shift to veganism, which excludes all animal products (e.g., dairy products), not just meat. In fact, in addition to the health benefits, an Oxford University study shows that “going vegan is the ‘single biggest way’ to reduce your impact on the planet.”

The modern era offers breakthrough advancements and countless resources to reach our personal lifestyle and health goals. However, as inspired as we may be to embark on new journeys, the research process may be equally as daunting. We’ve compiled a few “get started” tips and popular recipes to further highlight the benefits of eating vegan and the ease of the transition.   

An excellent place to start is to consider which recipes or products you already enjoy that happen to be “accidentally vegan.” Likewise, think of some favorite whole foods that could be seamlessly swapped for typical meat and dairy choices. A popular example is supplementing red meat in dishes with portobello mushrooms or eggplant, because they both add texture, flavor and richness, similar to meat. Both options increase your vegetable intake for the day, as well.

Few people have time to prepare every meal, so what are some quick options? Many grocery stores carry a wide variety of pre-packaged, vegan-friendly options. Commonly reached-for products include veggie burgers, plant-based “eggs,” dairy-free sour cream and dairy-free cheeses. On the flip side, what about social occasions such as dinner parties? A fantastic way to contribute while allowing for your needs is to offer to bring a dish to share. This chipotle cashew queso always is a hit.

As with any major change in health or lifestyle, discussing individual needs with your medical professional is recommended. Your caregiver will provide appropriate consultation based on specific needs. Such recommendations may include the importance of supplementing your journey with vitamins and minerals to ensure you are receiving the optimum benefits of your chosen diet.

With colder weather rapidly approaching, it’s the perfect time to clean out your closet.

If you happen to decide there are some items you are ready to give up, don’t throw them away. Donating is a more eco-friendly option for discarding these items.

The fashion industry accounts for around 10% of annual carbon emissions and every year uses around 93 billion cubic meters of water — enough to meet the consumption needs of 5 million people. On top of that, around 92 million tons of textile waste is created every year by the fashion industry. You can significantly reduce the impact on the environment created by the fashion industry by only buying clothes you need and donating clothes you no longer want.

You can donate your clothes to many different organizations in Omaha. There is a wide range in what organizations will accept. Some places will buy your clothes in good condition, and other places will accept any type of donation you can give.

Here is a list of places in Omaha you can donate to:

Another positive aspect of these organizations is that you can shop at most of them and it’s much cheaper than buying brand new. Thrifting/upcycling is a fun and sustainable way to shop and give other people’s discarded items a new home.

World Vegetarian Day is observed annually on Oct. 1. Its aim is to bring awareness about the benefits of a vegetarian diet on human health, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Eating less meat is one of the most significant ways an individual can reduce their environmental impact while also improving their own health.

According to the American Dietetic Association, eating a well-planned vegetarian diet may help reduce the risk of certain diseases, including heart disease. In fact, “a growing body of scientific evidence indicates that wholesome vegetarian diets offer distinct advantages compared to diets containing meat and other foods of animal origin” due to higher levels of certain nutrients and lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol. Vegetarian diets can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of everything from cardiovascular disease and hypertension to diabetes to cancer, osteoporosis and a variety of other conditions.

The livestock industry is responsible for about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and cattle (both meat and dairy production) account for 65% of those emissions. Widespread adoption of vegetarianism would have a significant impact on emissions worldwide. It also could save as much as $1 trillion annually in health care costs and lost productivity — and could save around 7 million lives. Widespread veganism (no animal-based products) would have an even greater impact.

If cutting out meat from your diet entirely sounds too difficult, try starting small. Eliminate meat for one day or one meal a week, or replace meat with a substitute such as tofu or plant-based alternatives. By experimenting with new vegetarian recipes on that day, you can find out which dishes you can easily include in your regular routine. One of the common mistakes people make when they become vegetarian is to eat more processed food, which negates the health benefits. Instead, be sure you do a little research about the nutrients you need and how you can get them through plants. Soon, you’ll be on your way to helping drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions and improving your health.