Veganism: From the Margins to the Mainstream

At a company outing, during yet another coffee break, there is once again no vegan option for the cake. Social interactions are often characterized by an abundance of meat, while the vegan is left with a plate of fries. For many, veganism still seems like a "special" choice, something that falls outside the norm. As a result, it's often simply overlooked during company outings and social events. Not out of unwillingness, but rather out of habit – the standard remains the standard. However, there is a much larger question we need to ask: why are we excluding a growing group of people? Why do we hold on to outdated habits that no longer fit the times we live in? Pythagoras once said: "As long as we eat animals, there is no peace." This can be a powerful guide for how we as a society can evolve. If we are unwilling to change our habits, can we truly speak of progress?

While veganism is on the rise, it still faces significant resistance. This is not unique to the Netherlands, but rather a human issue: change often meets resistance, even when the benefits are clear. We look at the world and see that history repeats itself: wars, diseases, and even music are presented in new forms. The same patterns are repeated over and over again. The question now is: why don't we allow that change?

The Scientific Basis of Plant-Based Eating

According to the Dutch government, plant-based eating is less harmful to the environment and climate than animal products. That's why the government has set a goal for Dutch citizens to get 50% of their protein from plant-based sources by 2030. This shift is a step in the right direction and should encourage companies to offer healthier and more sustainable choices within their own organizations.

Plant-based eating is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, some of the greatest thinkers and scientists have avoided eating animals. Isaac Newton, the brilliant mathematician and physicist who discovered the laws of gravity, refrained from animal products. Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine," advocated centuries ago: "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." His influence is still visible in the Hippocratic Oath, which doctors worldwide take upon their appointment.

Additionally, philosophers such as Socrates and Plato also lived without animal products. Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest minds of the Renaissance, was a passionate opponent of animal cruelty and lived mostly plant-based. Vincent van Gogh did not eat animals and drew inspiration from nature, which is reflected in his masterpieces. Both historical figures such as Russian writer Leo Tolstoy and American author Mark Twain, as well as modern icons like Venus and Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, and scientist and environmental activist Jane Goodall, prove that you can not only survive without animal products but even excel.

Plant-Based Eating: A Sustainable and Ethical Choice

Why is a plant-based diet important? In addition to the health and environmental benefits, there is a significant ethical reason to consume fewer or no animal products. Every year, thousands of animals suffer in inhumane conditions: from barn fires where they burn alive to long transports to slaughterhouses, often under extreme conditions.

Leaders within organizations have a responsibility to make conscious choices that are not only good for the environment but also for our society. Governments and companies must increasingly recognize that the impact of the choices we make goes beyond the profit and loss statement. The shift toward plant-based eating is not just a trend but a necessary step toward a more sustainable and ethically responsible business model.

It is time to acknowledge that the choices we make – from the products we offer in the workplace to the catering at events – should reflect the leadership we want to show. Leadership that is not only focused on profit but also on the well-being of the planet, humans, and animals.

Let's take the vegan out of the sidelines and put them in the spotlight. Companies that are embracing this shift now are demonstrating progressive leadership and contributing to a conscious and inclusive society.