Celebrating Veganuary & Supporting Animal Welfare

Every January, a global trend trickles into social media, restaurant menus, and grocery store displays. It’s called Veganuary, and in 2025 alone, an estimated 25.8 million people worldwide took the pledge to try a plant-based lifestyle for 31 days.

As we step into 2026, the movement continues to grow. For many, it’s a personal challenge to improve their health or reduce their carbon footprint. But at its heart, Veganuary is about a shared vision: creating a world that is kinder to animals and more sustainable for the planet.

Whether you’re going "full vegan" this month, trying Meatless Mondays, or simply want to honor the spirit of the movement, there are countless ways to make a difference. You don’t have to overhaul your diet to improve an animal’s life.

How Does Veganuary Impact Sustainable Farming?

The environmental impact of shifting toward plant-based choices is staggering. Research shows that plant-based diets can generate up to 46% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and use significantly less water and land than traditional meat-heavy diets. By participating in even a small way, you are contributing to a humane farming system that will benefit everyone long term.

4 Ways to Support Animal Welfare During Veganuary

If you’re looking to go beyond the plate this January, here are four impactful ways to support animal welfare and humane farming practices.

1. Give to High-Impact Animal Charities

One of the most effective ways to help is by fueling the organizations already doing the work. Donating to highly rated, effective charities that focus on systemic change or direct rescue can scale your impact. Here are a few options:

• Animal Welfare Charities: Discover charities on this curated list of vetted, animal charities making a real difference in their focus areas.

• Causeway’s Animal Welfare Fund: This fund allows you to support multiple effective organizations with a single gift, ensuring your donation reaches multiple areas of need.

• Use our Horizon AI search tool to hone in on charities focused on sustainable farming. Just tell it what you’re looking for, and it will provide a list of relevant charities!

2. Volunteer or Adopt Locally

Animal charities and shelters often experience a post-holiday surge in need. That’s where we can step in and help!

• Volunteer: Spend a few hours a week walking dogs or cleaning habitats.
• Adopt or Foster: If you have the space in your home and heart, adopting a pet or rescued farm animal is a direct way to save a life and combat the issues of overpopulated facilities.

3. Sponsor a Farm Animal

Most sanctuaries allow you to sponsor a specific resident, many of whom have been rescued from industrial farming and now live out their lives in peace. Your monthly gift covers their food, medical care and shelter, giving them a peaceful life every animal deserves. Sponsoring in someone’s name is also a great gift idea for the animal lover in your life.

4. Advocate for Humane, Sustainable Farming

Change happens when communities speak up. You can be a voice for those who don’t have one by advocating for sustainable and humane farming practices.

• Local & State Level: Support legislation that bans restrictive crates or spaces, or promotes higher quality of life standards for farm animals.

• National Level: Get involved with advocacy groups that push for transparency in the food supply chain and better protections for farmed animals. Supporting regenerative agriculture helps animals while protecting the soil we use to grow food.

   

The Ripple Effect of Compassion

The start of the year is about more than just a dietary change or setting new goals; it’s a reminder that our daily choices — where we spend our time, where we donate our money, and what we put on our plates — have a ripple effect. This January, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and the many ways we can continue to build a more compassionate world!