2021 is only half over, and already there has been a ton of vegan news stories. Some are uplifting, while others are controversial. And, most leave us hopeful and full of encouragement for the future. So, here are some of the top vegan news stories so far this year.
Germany to ban chick culling
Female chickens are raised for meat. Other female chickens lay eggs. However, male chickens are of no use to the industry. Therefore, they are killed shortly after birth. This mass slaughter is called culling. Approximately 7 billion male chicks are killed every year. These chicks are killed by suffocation, gassing, or live maceration.
Consequently, a new bill has been approved in Germany. This bill bans the culling of male chicks. If passed, it will ban culling by next year. By the year 2024, the law will require the egg industry to use a technology identifying the sex of chicks before they hatch.
Recommended reading: Starting a Plant Based Diet for Beginners
China announces end to mandatory animal testing on imported cosmetic products
Beginning May 1, 2021, China will no longer require animal testing on most imported cosmetics. Brands must provide quality certifications, and their products must not target children and infants. The products must also not contain raw materials. This will now allow cruelty free brands to start selling their products in China.
Currently, cosmetic animal testing is banned in 40 countries.
Recommended reading: Atrocities of Animal Testing
Virginia bans new cosmetics animal testing
Governor Ralph Northam has signed a bill that bans animal testing of cosmetics in the state of Virgina. Additionally, this law bans the sale of cosmetics tested on animals beginning July 1, 2022.
Recommended reading: Going Vegan (A Week-by-Week Guide)
Aveda goes fully vegan
Haircare and beauty brand Aveda has always been a cruelty free company. And now, Aveda has removed honey and beeswax from its products. Aveda’s website states: “Aveda is 100% vegan–now and forever.” And, “we’re embracing, not exploiting, the powerful qualities of nature.”
Recommended reading: Vegan and Sustainable Beauty Products
Edible 3-D printed steak
Israeli scientists have developed a slaughter-free ribeye steak using 3D bioprinting technology. Using cells derived from animals, the steak contains muscle and fat tissue. And, it has a system that simulates blood vessels in the tissue.
In addition, the scientists state that the steak has the “same sensations of look, taste, and smell of a regular soft, tasty, and juicy steak.”
Recommended reading: Vegan Seitan Steaks
Costco accused of animal cruelty
Wholesale retail giant Costco is under fire after an undercover operation at one of its large chicken farm suppliers. Costco’s rotisserie chicken may be cheap at $4.99, but it comes at a high cost to the animal.
Animal rights activist group, Mercy for Animals, uncovered horrific living conditions. The chickens were living in crowded, filthy barns. As a result, many chickens were sick and dying.
Additionally, Mercy for Animals reported “chickens struggling to walk under their own unnatural weight,” “bodies burned bare from ammonia-laden litter,” “dead days-old chicks,” and “piles of rotting birds.”
In a statement, Costco said they are, “committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, humane processes, and ethical conduct throughout the supply chain.”
However, from what we know about factory farming, I’m not holding my breath.
Recommended reading: The Atrocities of Factory Farming
Russia confirms first-ever case of H5N8 bird flu strain passed to humans
On February 18, 2021, Russia notified WHO of the detection of avian influenza A (H5N8) in 7 human clinical specimens. These are the first ever reported detection of H5N8 in humans. So, who were the positive clinical specimens collected from? Poultry farm workers.
Recommended reading: How to Survive a Pandemic
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle rescued factory farm chickens
This was the interview that sent shockwaves around the world! However, in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it-moment of the interview, Meghan Markle revealed to Oprah that their pet chickens were rescued from a factory farm.
As a result, the chickens now reside in an outdoor chicken coop cleverly named “Archie’s Chick Inn.”
Recommended reading: 34 Reasons to Start a Plant Based Diet Tomorrow
Maryland becomes first state to ban foam food service products
In the midst of the pandemic, restaurant carry-out services are at an all-time high. However, restaurants in Maryland are prohibited from using food service products made from foam.
While it is a great move for the environment, some argue it is harmful to businesses. Alternative products tend to be more expensive for restaurants and food industries who are already struggling due to the pandemic.
Recommended reading: 40 Lifestyle Changes to Help the Environment
Very Good Butchers on stock exchange
Less than a year ago, vegan meat brand Very Good Butchers, listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange. As a result, they are now the second vegan meat company to go public, after Beyond Meat in 2019.
Recommended reading: 12 Environmental Benefits of a Plant Based Diet
Seaspiracy documentary on Netflix
Even before its official release on Netflix, this documentary was already making waves. Seaspiracy documents the harm done to marine species (and even fellow humans) by the fishing industry. Additionally, the polarizing documentary uncovers alarming global corruption.
In response, the U.S. seafood industry launched a “damage control” campaign before Seaspiracy was even released. They labeled the documentary “vegan propaganda.” Furthermore, leaked documents showed the extent to which the industry was willing to go to shelve the documentary.
Seaspiracy is now streaming on Netflix. Trust me, it will change your life.
Recommended reading: Shark Week (and how it relates to the vegan diet)
Lego tree house kit made from plant based materials
The first ever LEGO plants made from plants are now available! The new figurines are made from sustainably sourced sugarcane. In addition, LEGO has also designed all new “Sustainable Superheros.”
Recommended reading: 30 Ways to Cut Back on Plastic Use
So, what are your favorite plant based and vegan news stories from this year? Sound off in the comments below! 💚