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With veganism gaining in popularity, both in the UK and across the world, the statistics consistently show that there are considerably more females embracing the movement when compared to men. The Vegan Society released a survey in 2016 that revealed a 350% increase in the number of vegans in Great Britain since 2006 - up from 150,000 in 2006, to 542,000 in 2016. Over 63% of the participants found to be vegan were female, leaving just 37% of them male. Since then the overall number of people identifying as vegan has reportedly skyrocketed to over 3.5 million across the UK.
So, what does this mean? Are women more ethically-minded than men, or does it go deeper than that? Society has a tendency to push certain expectations on to all of us. In fact, many of those reading this article will have experienced this when it comes to those around them questioning their ethical life choices. It’s clear that in 2018 there are still many predefined roles and traits that men and women are expected to observe. |
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Thankfully we live in an age that no longer expects women to stay at home cooking and cleaning, but in many ways it seems that men’s roles and stereotypes have not changed quite as much as we would have hoped.
When linked with veganism and ethical living, it is particularly interesting to explore how gender stereotypes can impact how men feel about making the bigger kind of lifestyle changes and stepping outside of the preconceived norm. And it’s also easy to see how the worry of acceptance in their social circles can have an impact on whether they step fully into a lifestyle change, or feel comfortable enough to be open about it. |
The Meat Myth
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The rise of the paleo diet and the obsession with emulating our hunter-gatherer ancestors has only emphasised the concept of meat being normal and ‘manly’. It seems related to the idea of hunting and eating one’s own kill, yet the reality of modern meat consumption looks very different today. The association of meat with strength, power and force continues to align with the somewhat prehistoric ideals of what society expects men to be; with little room for ‘weakness’.
We can see it in the way young boys are brought up, particularly in recent previous generations… told not to cry, to toughen up, to grow a thick skin, to hide their emotions. It’s no surprise that boys and young men feel conflicted when trying to understand and deal with their feelings. There’s an immense pressure and innate desire to fit in with one’s peers that’s rooted in our more tribal days of old when being shunned from the group essentially meant certain death. Why then is modern society often so critical of men with outward feelings, emotions and ethical views? If men are brought up to believe in the concept of what has been predefined as ‘manliness’, it makes sense for them to associate it with certain specific traits that are required in order to fit in with the lifestyle. Perhaps some even see meat as a connection to their gender and sense of self, and the idea of removing animal products from their lifestyle would somehow emasculate them. However, there is nothing weak about stepping outside of society’s box and standing up for what you believe in. Real men don’t eat meat - they love animals and want to protect them. Being compassionate and merciful is what it really means to be a man. |
The Turning of the Tide
In an age when barriers to knowledge are breaking down, social media and other online platforms allow easy access to facts and help build inspirational connections that can lead to more widespread change. It has without a doubt made veganism and ethical living more accessible to the masses. This has a lot to do with the fact that, with strong communities of supportive and encouraging messages so prevalent, people no longer feel the isolation they once did when making what is a quite significant lifestyle change.
There are more and more high-profile men speaking up about the importance of following an ethical lifestyle, whether specifically vegan or not, from film director James Cameron, to actor and environmentalist Leonardo Di Caprio. As veganism and an awareness of our human impact on the environment becomes ever more mainstream, we are seeing an increasing number of strong, powerful and compassionate men in the space, who are showing that the stereotypes of old have no place in the 21st century.
There are more and more high-profile men speaking up about the importance of following an ethical lifestyle, whether specifically vegan or not, from film director James Cameron, to actor and environmentalist Leonardo Di Caprio. As veganism and an awareness of our human impact on the environment becomes ever more mainstream, we are seeing an increasing number of strong, powerful and compassionate men in the space, who are showing that the stereotypes of old have no place in the 21st century.
Scott McCulloch is co-founder of online vegan supermarket and subscription box service, The Vegan Kind. Not only is the brand, which he runs alongside his wife Karris, wildly successful, they are both driven by compassion and a desire to showcase veganism in all its glory. Scott is a father of two, and speaking of his transition says: "I had turned a blind eye for so long, but I couldn't ignore what I was seeing and hearing any longer. It all just felt so horrendously unnecessary.”
Formula 1 racing star Lewis Hamilton not only credits his plant-based diet with improving his performance, but he regularly shares pro-vegan messages on his social media. “Every person I have met who has gone vegan says it is the best decision they have ever made.” - Lewis Hamilton. It certainly is hard to find someone who has transitioned to a plant-based diet who doesn’t credit going vegan with improving their life in a multitude of ways. It’s likely one of the biggest reasons vegans get a reputation for wanting to spread their views to other people, besides wanting to end cruelty of course. People have an innate desire to want to share knowledge that they know will directly help others.
Veganuary co-founder Matthew Glover and his team have helped hundreds of thousands of people go vegan since the organisation was created just four years ago in 2014. He is a proud advocate of living ethically, and told us that the best thing about being vegan is “hanging out with amazing people who are so passionate about making the world a better place”.
Formula 1 racing star Lewis Hamilton not only credits his plant-based diet with improving his performance, but he regularly shares pro-vegan messages on his social media. “Every person I have met who has gone vegan says it is the best decision they have ever made.” - Lewis Hamilton. It certainly is hard to find someone who has transitioned to a plant-based diet who doesn’t credit going vegan with improving their life in a multitude of ways. It’s likely one of the biggest reasons vegans get a reputation for wanting to spread their views to other people, besides wanting to end cruelty of course. People have an innate desire to want to share knowledge that they know will directly help others.
Veganuary co-founder Matthew Glover and his team have helped hundreds of thousands of people go vegan since the organisation was created just four years ago in 2014. He is a proud advocate of living ethically, and told us that the best thing about being vegan is “hanging out with amazing people who are so passionate about making the world a better place”.
Having positive role models such as these can help bring veganism into vogue for men. There are countless cool, compassionate vegan men who are creating successful businesses, supporting international animal rights movements, and spreading the word while doing it.
The rise of YouTube stars such as Earthling Ed has opened veganism to a wider audience who might not have stumbled across the lifestyle otherwise. Ed regularly debates with farmers and members of the public in a positive, non-aggressive manner to try and highlight the link between animal cruelty and injustice with the meat and dairy industries. His videos likely get shared so much because of his pragmatic and constructive approach. They help promote a more educated and informed dialogue.
James Aspey, an Australian activist who is well known in the community, spent a whole year in silence to raise awareness of the plight of the millions of animals who have no voice. He now travels the world speaking at events, sharing his thoughts on social media and working from the grass roots up to inspire and create change.
The face of veganism is changing, and we can see ethical living becoming much more accessible to a wider selection of people, thanks to the likes of movements like Veganuary, vegan brands with a cause related message and supermarkets stocking ever growing ranges of exciting meat and dairy-free products. The movement is unrecognisable from the tie-dye, barefoot, hippie stereotypes of the past.
The rise of YouTube stars such as Earthling Ed has opened veganism to a wider audience who might not have stumbled across the lifestyle otherwise. Ed regularly debates with farmers and members of the public in a positive, non-aggressive manner to try and highlight the link between animal cruelty and injustice with the meat and dairy industries. His videos likely get shared so much because of his pragmatic and constructive approach. They help promote a more educated and informed dialogue.
James Aspey, an Australian activist who is well known in the community, spent a whole year in silence to raise awareness of the plight of the millions of animals who have no voice. He now travels the world speaking at events, sharing his thoughts on social media and working from the grass roots up to inspire and create change.
The face of veganism is changing, and we can see ethical living becoming much more accessible to a wider selection of people, thanks to the likes of movements like Veganuary, vegan brands with a cause related message and supermarkets stocking ever growing ranges of exciting meat and dairy-free products. The movement is unrecognisable from the tie-dye, barefoot, hippie stereotypes of the past.
Meat, Muscle & Men
Another reason men can be a little more resistant to going vegan, is the idea that meat and the protein it contains is the only way to develop a strong, aesthetically appealing physique, with bodybuilders traditionally sticking to a strict diet of chicken, rice and broccoli. It could seem impossible to make those gains as a vegan.
Step forward plant-based sportsmen such as boxer David Haye, ultra-endurance athlete Rich Roll, all round superhuman athlete Tim Shieff (owner of clothing brand Ethcs) and bodybuilder YouTube/Instagram stars like Jon Venus, Nimai Delgado, Torre Washington and Derek Simnett. A new documentary called The Game Changers, set for release in the UK later this year, promises to smash any remaining notion that a vegan diet is anything but optimal for enhanced physical performance and all-round good health.
Clearly, it is perfectly possible to both build lean muscle and achieve top level performance without having to eat animals or their by-products. They are certainly not necessary, but these days there are also plenty of vegan protein powders out there that can supplement a diet rich in natural sources of plant-based protein such as beans, legumes and seeds.
There are, unsurprisingly, many additional long-term health benefits to be enjoyed by saying goodbye to meat, eggs and dairy, such as reduced cholesterol, increased heart health, weight loss for overweight and obese people, reduced chances of Type 2 Diabetes and it can even help with fertility issues.
Step forward plant-based sportsmen such as boxer David Haye, ultra-endurance athlete Rich Roll, all round superhuman athlete Tim Shieff (owner of clothing brand Ethcs) and bodybuilder YouTube/Instagram stars like Jon Venus, Nimai Delgado, Torre Washington and Derek Simnett. A new documentary called The Game Changers, set for release in the UK later this year, promises to smash any remaining notion that a vegan diet is anything but optimal for enhanced physical performance and all-round good health.
Clearly, it is perfectly possible to both build lean muscle and achieve top level performance without having to eat animals or their by-products. They are certainly not necessary, but these days there are also plenty of vegan protein powders out there that can supplement a diet rich in natural sources of plant-based protein such as beans, legumes and seeds.
There are, unsurprisingly, many additional long-term health benefits to be enjoyed by saying goodbye to meat, eggs and dairy, such as reduced cholesterol, increased heart health, weight loss for overweight and obese people, reduced chances of Type 2 Diabetes and it can even help with fertility issues.
Small Steps = Big Changes
Of course, huge lifestyle changes rarely happen overnight, and it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey has to start somewhere. Transitioning to a more ethical or vegan lifestyle is a work in progress, and those making the effort to do so should be proud of their achievements, rather than worrying about maintaining them. A gradual transition seems to be the most sustainable and effective way to naturally maintain the momentum anyway. It can be the surprising positive difference that these small changes make to a person’s feeling of health and wellbeing that encourage a commitment to long-term change.
If you’re at the beginning of your journey, or want to make some easy suggestions to a friend, here are five easy things to do now to live more ethically:
If you’re at the beginning of your journey, or want to make some easy suggestions to a friend, here are five easy things to do now to live more ethically:
- Increase the proportion of plants in your meals. Eating higher volumes of fruits and vegetables will keep you full and satiated while giving you an insight into the joys of eating more plant-based foods.
- Aim to have one vegan meal a week, and then try for a whole vegan day. Build it up and see how well you do.
- Try out some meat-free alternatives – all major supermarkets stock vegan sausages, burgers and nibbles.
- Skip the dairy milk on the Costa run and try plant milk instead, such as soya, oat, coconut or almond
- Next time you run out of a toiletries product, replace it with something suitable for vegans. Superdrug, Sainsbury’s and The Body Shop all stock some great options.
Ethical Wares for Ethical Gents
As Hugo Boss releases a limited edition line of vegan shoes made from Piñatex, aka pineapple leather, it’s certainly a step (pardon the pun) in the right direction for quality, easy to locate items that are free from animal materials, as well as being environmentally-friendly.
Whilst a few years ago, there was little choice when it came to sourcing vegan and cruelty-free clothing and toiletries for men, it’s now easier than ever to try out what the market has to offer.
Some of our favourite go-to places are:
Matt and Nat
For sleek and stylish vegan leather goods, from wallets and weekender-style holdalls, to messenger bags and passport holders.
Noah Italian Vegan Shoes
We all know that the Italians are the kings of style, so it’s great to know that the kind of quality and craftsmanship associated with fine shoe making has been applied to more ethical, cruelty-free materials.
The Body Shop
You can’t go wrong when it comes to the ease of being able to pick up what you need from your local high street, and The Body Shop doesn’t disappoint. Although not 100% vegan, there are lots of excellent options, from body wash, to shaving equipment. We highly recommend the Maca Root Shave Cream.
ETHCS
For clothing that come with a message, we are loving ETHCS range of ethically-sourced materials and designs. We love the unisex VGang Hoodie 2.0, which is perfect for those cooler summer nights when the sun has set but you’re not ready to leave the beer garden just yet!
Whilst a few years ago, there was little choice when it came to sourcing vegan and cruelty-free clothing and toiletries for men, it’s now easier than ever to try out what the market has to offer.
Some of our favourite go-to places are:
Matt and Nat
For sleek and stylish vegan leather goods, from wallets and weekender-style holdalls, to messenger bags and passport holders.
Noah Italian Vegan Shoes
We all know that the Italians are the kings of style, so it’s great to know that the kind of quality and craftsmanship associated with fine shoe making has been applied to more ethical, cruelty-free materials.
The Body Shop
You can’t go wrong when it comes to the ease of being able to pick up what you need from your local high street, and The Body Shop doesn’t disappoint. Although not 100% vegan, there are lots of excellent options, from body wash, to shaving equipment. We highly recommend the Maca Root Shave Cream.
ETHCS
For clothing that come with a message, we are loving ETHCS range of ethically-sourced materials and designs. We love the unisex VGang Hoodie 2.0, which is perfect for those cooler summer nights when the sun has set but you’re not ready to leave the beer garden just yet!
Advocacy & OutreachFrom our own experience and that of others we know, it seems that a surprising number of men actually find going vegan quite difficult. But it isn’t because of eating differently or learning what products they needed to buy though. The problems and challenges often come when opening up to friends and family about the decision to stop using and eating animal products. In particular, male friends can be particularly unsupportive, often mocking and making fun of these new ethical life choices.
However, while colleagues or friends seem bemused to begin with, this can slowly move into curiosity and intrigue when they see the first hand benefits of the lifestyle changes. Showing by doing rather than telling is always more effective after all! For when the inevitable challenges and debates arise, you can always arm yourself with the facts. You absolutely don’t need to justify your personal decisions to anybody but yourself, but if you are concerned about getting stuck into a debate, we recommend watching some of Earthling Ed’s videos, or reading up on Dr Gregor’s Nutrition Facts website for health-based information. You’ll be surprised at how many people actually do want to live a more ethical lifestyle, and while they haven’t quite geared up their motivation yet, they could be inspired by other people’s actions. |
Spreading the Word
Aside from the obvious 1:1 outreach, there needs to be a shift in how the media presents the concept of men living ethically and as vegans. It is of course fantastic to have specialist publications and websites dedicated to this type of lifestyle, but a crossover to mainstream media, which isn’t targeting existing community members, is where the real change will begin.
Outlets such as Men’s Health Magazine do run vegan-centric stories occasionally, and it would be great to see more articles, and more inclusions of plant-based nutrition or products being part of their regular features.
We need to see vegan food and vegan products as simply alternatives to X,Y,Z, instead of something out of the norm, and a little left field. An article looking at the top 10 burgers in London for example could feature a couple of options that are actually vegan. It’s a great way of integrating veganism into mainstream life - rather than making it stand out, which can sometimes have an adverse effect and result in people choosing to ignore it.
The stereotypical type of messaging used to attract men could also do with a bit of a reboot. The TV adverts which are targeting a male audience are due a move away from the overly ‘manly’, cold and outdated style that has been present in advertising for the past few decades. Instead, a softer approach is needed, something more inclusive that shows the many facets and layers that make up a compassionate modern man.
With vegan meat, cheese and other goodies regularly available in all major supermarkets in the UK and beyond, when Dad takes to the BBQ this weekend, why not encourage him to cook up a storm with some of these delectable delights:
Vegan steak from Vivera - Tesco
No Bull Burgers - Iceland
The Beyond Burger - Tesco (available from August)
Naturli Plant-Based Burgers - Sainsburys
Outlets such as Men’s Health Magazine do run vegan-centric stories occasionally, and it would be great to see more articles, and more inclusions of plant-based nutrition or products being part of their regular features.
We need to see vegan food and vegan products as simply alternatives to X,Y,Z, instead of something out of the norm, and a little left field. An article looking at the top 10 burgers in London for example could feature a couple of options that are actually vegan. It’s a great way of integrating veganism into mainstream life - rather than making it stand out, which can sometimes have an adverse effect and result in people choosing to ignore it.
The stereotypical type of messaging used to attract men could also do with a bit of a reboot. The TV adverts which are targeting a male audience are due a move away from the overly ‘manly’, cold and outdated style that has been present in advertising for the past few decades. Instead, a softer approach is needed, something more inclusive that shows the many facets and layers that make up a compassionate modern man.
With vegan meat, cheese and other goodies regularly available in all major supermarkets in the UK and beyond, when Dad takes to the BBQ this weekend, why not encourage him to cook up a storm with some of these delectable delights:
Vegan steak from Vivera - Tesco
No Bull Burgers - Iceland
The Beyond Burger - Tesco (available from August)
Naturli Plant-Based Burgers - Sainsburys
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Looking ahead, we are sure that with the massive increase in the number of people going vegan, more and more men will make ethical changes to their lifestyles, whether inspired by external factors or driven by their own connections with animals and the planet. We believe that society really is opening up to the idea of men being more compassionate, kind and emotional, although there is still some work to do to move away from the stereotypes that have served us in the past.
There is no doubt that the way we live our lives, from what we eat to the products we use, all have a huge impact on our planet and those that live on it. We need to encourage society, and men in particular, to think about the future and the legacy that we will leave behind for future generations to deal with. Making positive life choices, and showcasing them as such, is the best way to make that change happen. |
