On New Year’s Day people commit to making resolutions about what they hope to achieve over the next 365 days. It can be a daunting challenge often resulting in many abandoning those goals early on.

In fact, January 17 is called National Quitters Day for that exact reason.

For some, though, they choose a more manageable approach by dedicating just the first month of the year to stick with a goal. A popular choice is going alcohol-free for Dry January, but there is another lifestyle change that is gaining momentum: Veganuary.

Veganuary is the mash-up of “Vegan” and “January.” The word was coined by the nonprofit organization of the same name that empowers people worldwide to try going vegan for January and beyond.

To be vegan is to willingly abstain from consuming animal products, such as meat, dairy, or eggs. Vegans also incorporate the compassionate philosophy of externally not using animal products, including leather, fur, and feathers.

The reasons why people choose to go vegan is as diverse as people are. For many it can be to make a positive difference for animals, the environment, their health, or for spiritual beliefs.

According to Veganuary.com, “During the 2022 campaign, more than 620,000 people took our pledge to try a vegan diet, while more than 1,540 new vegan products and menu options were launched in our key campaign countries.”

The organization not only supports people who are pursuing veganism by providing free recipes, nutrition tips, and eating guides, but it also advocates for raising awareness and growing the global movement. The group encourages people to be part of the movement by signing up online to take the Veganuary pledge.

Newtown residents of all ages are educating themselves and turning to a vegan diet, including some that have written a Letter to the Editor to The Newtown Bee requesting more articles on vegan topics.

The demand has become so prevalent that throughout town many restaurants are beginning to offer vegan options that are more than just a salad, which was the common practice prior.

Seeing a gap in the local health market was Zesto Organic Vegan Market & Juicery, located at 150 South Main Street. In addition to having a plethora of vegan items, they also have gluten-free, grain-free, and oil-free options.

Co-owners Tammy Metz, formerly of Newtown, and Robin Van Riper are both vegan. They created their restaurant to help bring clean and delicious food to the community.

Whether people are looking for a single vegan meal to try or are happily extending their Veganuary path infinitely, people can find local options in Newtown, as well as a vast community of online support to help them on their vegan journey.

Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.