A plant-based existence, being vegan... It used to seem like something for a few do-gooders, but nowadays plant-based eating and a vegan lifestyle hot! More and more vegans are popping up, full of conviction and forever, or because they (temporarily) go along with the hype (to be fair). Although in our view this movement is certainly not a short-lived hype: a more conscious way of life is far too important for that, and above all it is good for people, animals and the environment. Nevertheless, we ourselves are not that easy to get rid of the meat. Or from the leather loafers. Not 100% at least. But we are becoming increasingly aware of what we consume. And that can also work very well on a daily basis. How? We heard a few that hard vegans, added our own experiences and tips, et voila a list of 8 useful tips to live your life in a, actually quite ridiculously easy way, a bit more consciously vegan a succes story.

On your plate
The most obvious of course: Eat. No. Meat. Or. Fish. Nor eggs, dairy or other products derived from animals. Everyone knows that. If you often, but not always, listen to this, think carefully about the things that are standard in your kitchen. You can easily replace many dairy items with plant-based options. Milk with soy or coconut drink and (cream) butter with vegetable oils or  margarines, such as the 100% vegetable variants from Becel. Simple, you don't notice (almost) anything, but the impact is gigantic.

If you don't do it for yourself, do it for the planet: ours food is responsible for 15 to 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Of everything we consume in a day, meat and dairy contribute the most to greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2 and methane gas. Yet, according to a recent report by the RIVM, 10% of our drinks and more than a quarter (28%) of our food are still of animal origin.

Anyway… One small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind.

Need inspiration? Ninour from Amsterdam shared two great recipes: Vegetable with Ninour

On the RIVM website: vAmong the food we eat and drink every day, the production of meat and dairy (butter, milk and cheese) causes the greatest food-related environmental burden. For less environmental impact, it is better to opt for plant-based alternatives. Research shows that partial replacement with plant-based alternatives can contribute to a healthy and environmentally friendly diet.

 And on the health square: Many animal products have a relatively high content of saturated fats, while the majority of vegetable oils, nuts and seeds are rich in single and/or multiple unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats are healthier than saturated fats, because they have a beneficial effect on, among other things, the cholesterol level in our body. The Nutrition Center therefore recommends replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat as much as possible. And margarine is made with a base of vegetable oils, which are rich in good unsaturated fats, such as Omega 3 and 6.

Also read: 15 x the best plant-based addresses in Rotterdam 

But HOW? Above you will find two nice lists for dining out. But there are TONS of tips available online these days. The girls from Go With The Glow en Lisa Goes Vegan for example, give you inspiration to give up your chicken a few times a week and exchange it for a tasty plate of greenery. And, no joke: McDonald's has started a trial with a vegan hamburger, entitled the McVegan. The burger looks like a normal hamburger, but instead of a piece of meat, it contains a soy-based disc of vegan meat.

In your closet
Declutter. It's a popular term and yes, it's true: less stuff means less waste. So buy less. Simple. Moreover, someone who purchases less has more budget for really nice things that will last for years. A beautiful bag from pioneer vegan Stella McCartney, for example. In addition, only buy organic clothing: fewer toxic substances on your skin and in the planet. Skip cheap fast fashion and/or shop second hand.

Also read: 15 x the best plant-based addresses in Amsterdam

Small adjustments in your underwear drawer
Nice and simple is sometimes all you are looking for. Woron is that. The perfect underwire-free bra and the beautiful hipster. Perfect under a white shirt and delicious comfy under your thick sweater. The brand now also has bodysuits, leggings and tops. Everything made from plant-based materials.

Small adjustments to your transport and holidays
Choose the train and bicycle - good for the environment and your body - over the car. Another buyer, but we are here to remind you of the simple, all too quickly forgotten things. To go one step further: closer holidays are much less harmful to the environment than distant holidays. If you're going far, direct flights are better than two or three transfers. 

Also read: Little Escapes, a book full of addresses a stone's throw from home

Small adjustments in your household system
Everyone now knows that you should never wash your jeans: it only makes them more beautiful. In line with this, we wash as little as possible these days anyway. No, that's not dirty. Just be conscious of your (outer) clothing and hang it out more often, or just go wild on a stain. Less washing = less water and energy consumption + your clothes will last much longer. Airing it out and hanging it neatly saves a lot of wrinkles, wear and tear and laundry. There are also wonderful products for sale to freshen up clothes without washing, such as: Mr. Black.

Reuse
Reuse. Reuse. Reuse. Not only your clothes (second-hand) but definitely also your shopping bag. And your bottle of water: invest in one double. You can simply wash them well for hygiene reasons (try to use as little plastic as possible: are there packaged bananas and bananas without plastic… The choice is easy).

Pay attention in the house
Lights off, devices muted or chargers unplugged when not in use, heating turned down and sweater on, shorter showers. Yes mom.

Recycle
Recycle where possible. Sounds logical, but you will be surprised how few people do this. How and what do you think? here.