West Hollywood just took a giant leap for plant-based advocacy, officially recognizing Veganuary and encouraging residents to explore the benefits of a vegan lifestyle!
West Hollywood is making waves in the plant-based movement! This week, the city issued an official proclamation recognizing Veganuary and commending local organizations and students for their advocacy efforts. The proclamation highlights the environmental impact of animal agriculture, citing its role in climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
A Bold Step Toward Sustainability
At the city council meeting on December 16, 2024, under the leadership of Mayor Chelsea Byers, West Hollywood voted in favor of promoting Veganuary to residents, city staff, and businesses. This decision aligns with the city’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2035 and follows its recent adoption of the Plant Based Treaty. The initiative aims to show how simple dietary shifts can contribute to a healthier planet and community.
On February 3, 2025, Mayor Byers officially announced the Veganuary proclamation, which says: “The City Council of the City of West Hollywood hereby recognizes Veganuary, Plant Based Treaty, Animal Welfare Alliance, and Plant Futures at UCLA, in advancing plant-based advocacy. The city encourages residents and community members to explore the benefits of plant-based diets for personal health, environmental sustainability, and ethical well-being.”
Veganuary’s US Director, Sandra Hungate, said, “We are excited about this proclamation and commend the City of Hollywood for being the first US city to run such a comprehensive Veganuary program! We also appreciate and congratulate the local organizations and students who helped raise awareness for Veganuary in the area!”
Local Efforts Drive Change
West Hollywood actively participated in Veganuary, rallying support from community members, businesses, and city employees. Meanwhile, UCLA-based organizations, including Animal Welfare Alliance, Plant Futures at UCLA, Lives Without Knives, and Bruins Opposing Speciesism, launched the first university-wide Veganuary challenge in the US. Nearly 100 students signed up, and the Plant Powered Revolution, a week-long series of events, attracted over 800 attendees. Their efforts led to the creation of a University Veganuary Challenge guide to expand the initiative to campuses nationwide.
Get Involved in Veganuary
Veganuary offers free resources, including recipes, shopping tips, and meal plans, to help individuals explore plant-based eating. Since its launch in 2014, the campaign has inspired millions and gained celebrity supporters like Woody Harrelson, Joaquin Phoenix, and Alicia Silverstone.
Businesses can also join the movement by participating in the Veganuary Workplace Challenge, which encourages employees to try a vegan diet for a month. Companies such as EY (Ernst & Young), the City of San Antonio, and LUSH have embraced the initiative, enhancing workplace sustainability and employee wellness.
West Hollywood’s Veganuary proclamation is another milestone in the city’s commitment to sustainability and ethical food choices. With growing enthusiasm for plant-based living, Veganuary is poised to make an even bigger impact in years to come!
