Thousands Join Celebrities for VegWeek, Pledging Meat-Free April 17-23

April 17, 2017 — Today marks day one of VegWeek 2017, and thousands of people have joined celebrities, athletes, and public officials for this international celebration of meatless eating.

Each year, thousands take the 7-Day VegPledge as part of Compassion Over Killing’s annual VegWeek campaign, committing to explore plant-based eating for at least one week. Many happy pledgers continue to choose meat-free foods after enjoying the campaign.

Celebrity VegWeek campaign endorsers include:

  • Alicia Silverstone, actress and author
  • Moby, musician
  • Emily Deschanel, actress (Bones)
  • Mya, singer
  • Belinda Carlisle, singer-songwriter (The Go-Gos)
  • Richie Kul, actor and model
  • Daisy Fuentes, TV personality

Vegan pro-sports stars like Olympian Seba Johnson, bodybuilder Torre Washington, surfer Tia Blanco, and MMA fighter Aaron Simpson are touting the health benefits of a plant-based diet.

To keep VegPledgers motivated, dozens of companies – including Beyond Meat, Herbivorous Butcher, and Follow Your Heart – are offering deals, discounts, and easy meal ideas.

As Earth Day nears, VegWeek is highlighting the positive environmental impact of a plant-based diet. The United Nations’ Food & Agriculture Organization states that animal agriculture contributes 14.5% of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, and Oxford University researchers found that a global shift to vegan eating could slash food-related emissions by 70%.

“Thousands are finding that VegWeek is a free, fun, and flavorful way to explore the joys of vegan eating,” said Erica Meier, Executive Director of Compassion Over Killing. “Our dietary choices have far-reaching impacts on our health, the planet, and animals, and every time we choose plant-based foods, we are helping to build a better world.”

Compassion Over Killing first launched this popular campaign in 2009, with inspiration from now-US Congressman Jamie Raskin. Joining as a VegWeek Endorser again this year, Congressman Raskin says, “VegWeek rocks! Thanks to the great people at Compassion Over Killing for changing America with their creative organizing and uplifting events. See you there!”

For more details and to join the fun, visit: VegWeek.com.

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Compassion Over Killing (COK) is a nonprofit animal protection organization working to end the abuse of farmed animals through undercover investigations, litigation, corporate outreach, public education, and other advocacy programs. COK.net