Meet the five vegan influencers leading the green movement into China
Veganism has growing support from celebrities and a strong social media presence, attracting attention of big players and having impact in Asia
These days veganism – the practice of abstaining from eating or using animal products – is often associated with beautiful Instagrammable images of smoothie bowls, Buddha bowls, zoodles (a.k.a zucchini noodles), and, above all, fantastic silhouettes and facial complexions of its many disciples, all posted on social media in a swathe of aspirational images.
Many people in the West, particularly the United States, Britain and Australia, have readily embraced the idea of adopting a vegan diet and way of life – convinced about the benefits promoted by an holistic, plant-based and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
1. David Yeung, co-founder of Green Monday
Now these ideas are making their way to Hong Kong and China thanks to the efforts of environmental movers and shakers, such as David Yeung, co-founder of Green Monday, the social enterprise working to reduce Hong Kong’s carbon footprint one meal at a time by raising awareness of the livestock industry’s towering impact on global warming.
Yeung says that at least 1.6 million Hongkongers are practising some form of vegetarianism as the public begins to realise – and exercise – the power of their dietary decisions on the planet.
Green Monday, which was launched in 2012, has opened the plant-based concept stores – Green Common at many locations in Hong Kong, including a pop-up at Hong Kong International Airport, to help bring a different food mindset to the city.
The Green Common stores have helped to introduce many exciting innovative plant-based products to Hong Kong, such as the Beyond Burger – a protein-packed vegan burger that looks, cooks and tastes like fresh ground beef – Just Scramble – a protein-packed alternative to eggs – and a new venture, Omnipork by Right Treat – a plant-based alternative to pork which will debut in June.
Yeung also continues to promote its green mission with initiatives such as organising Monday’s The Future of GREENovation Forum 2018, in Hong Kong, which brought together luminaries from around the world, including food-tech entrepreneurs, impact investors, influencers and digital media experts to share their ideas about sustainable innovation and inspire businesses and individuals to make conscious choices for a greener future.