Vegan all the way

Annnesha Banerjee reports on VegVoyages, a travel firm, which is creating a sustainable planet by taking the bold step of promoting in their tours not only veganism, but its core values—compassion and non-violence

- Annnesha Banerjee

Travel has become an indispensable part of our lives. Whether you travel in a group or solo, prefer backpacking or lavish vacationing, travel broadens your perspective. Witnessing the scenic landscapes, experiencing various shades of cultural diversity, and indulging in local delicacies can rid a person of their prejudices.

However, despite the value addition that visiting different cities and countries brings to our lives, we cannot ignore the negative ecological impact it leaves on our planet. Adding to the plastic trash, engaging in animal safaris and zoo visits, contributing to greenhouse gas emission, and animal agriculture (which itself is responsible for 14-18 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions), are a few of the ignored aspects of travelling that contribute to climate change.

Be that as it may, there are a number of things one can do to offset the environmental impact of travelling. Instead of choosing not to travel owing to moral obligations, we need to bridge the problems with creative and practical solutions. Going vegan is the simplest and most effective way of reducing and compensating for your carbon footprint. Opting for a lifestyle that is in harmony with the ecosystem can go a long way in shifting the global perspective on sustainability. Travelling vegan not only opens the door to new opportunities but also lets us open our hearts to be more compassionate.

A new wave