At the end of January, The Herbivorous Butcher opened in Minneapolis. Owned by brother-sister team Kale and Aubrey Walch, the store offers vegan versions of traditional deli options, such as plant-based turkey, pastrami, ham, and bologna. Find them on Facebook or at their website, theherbivorousbutcher.com.
With vegan diets gaining popularity in the mainstream, and with celebrities calling the public to collective action to address global problems (a la Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscars climate change speech), can we expect a welcome influx of new vegan businesses? The growing popularity of veganism may provide new opportunities to bring important causes to the forefront of public awareness, and businesses may be used to give an official, public face to an idea or issue. Starting a business is a good way to raise consciousness about veganism for activists on several fronts – from public health, to social justice, to animal rights, to environmental conservation, to sustainability.
Businesses are able to provide a bridge for activists to reach their target populations. Vegan activists are accustomed to being in perpetual “outreach” mode, always seeking out opportunities to approach people to raise awareness and share information. As curious customers investigate the options at The Herbivorous Butcher, however, the Walch’s are given the unique opportunity to be in “receiver” mode, as they draw people to them. Then, armed with delicious treats that raise questions, they benefit from curiosity to get the word out for the cause.
There are countless creative ways to fulfill the activist’s purposes to “Educate! Agitate! Organize!” So, what ideas do you have? What business do you own or plan to run that provides a purpose and way to be active in the world? It’s time to get to work and change the world!
Allyse Sonnega is a dedicated yogini, educator, mother, vegan, and overall uplifting human being that provides great service to the world through her peaceful thoughts, words, and actions.
