Five reasons to have a vegan Christmas!

Millions of turkeys are farmed and slaughtered for Christmas dinners in the UK – most of them will have been  farmed in intensive conditions. Each of these animals is an individual who deserves to live free from harm and suffering. Investigations by Animal Aid and other organisations have exposed the shocking reality of turkey farms and slaughterhouses; they are brutal places where animals are treated as objects and denied their most basic of needs.

Christmas is supposed to be the season of peace and goodwill to all – and that should include all animals.

The carbon footprint of a vegan diet can be as much as 60% smaller than a meat-based one, and 24% smaller than a vegetarian diet. The poultry industry – including turkey farming – has a disastrous effect on the environment, contributing to both water and air pollution. The cramped conditions of factory farms, such as those where turkeys are raised for Christmas, are also hotbeds for disease outbreaks.

With the interest in veganism and plant-based eating increasing on a daily basis, so has the range of dishes in shops and supermarkets. Vegan options at Christmas have also massively increased; nowadays you can get vegan versions of all of the traditional festive foods. These look and taste the same (if not better!), and don’t involve horrific animal suffering!

If you’re someone who likes to cook everything from scratch, Animal Aid is here to help you out! Check out our delicious Christmas Vegan Recipes playlist below!

5) For them!
Some turkeys are lucky enough to escape being sent to the slaughterhouse, like these little ones who now live at an animal sanctuary. Help others, like them, by opting for a vegan Christmas this year.