Why & How On Vegan Christmas Food
Photo: VäljVego
The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, often centered around festive meals. However, the traditional Christmas table comes with a heavy environmental and ethical cost, particularly in terms of animal suffering and environmental degradation. From ham to eggs and poultry, the impacts of these choices extend far beyond the dinner plate. Let’s delve into the realities behind Christmas food and explore ways to create a more sustainable and compassionate holiday feast.
The Hidden Cost of Christmas Ham
In Sweden alone, approximately 2.5 million pigs are killed annually for their meat. Most live in cramped conditions, with less than one square meter of space per pig—far removed from their natural behaviors and needs. Standard housing often allocates nine square meters for ten pigs.
By six months old, when pigs weigh around 100 kilograms and are still in the early stages of their lives, they are sent to slaughter. In Sweden, the method of choice is carbon dioxide gassing, a process known for causing significant distress. Pigs are highly intelligent and social animals, and the conditions in which they live and die raise serious ethical questions.
Eggs and Chicken: An Industry of Mass Suffering
The egg and chicken industries are no less grim. In Sweden, over 100 million chickens are killed annually for meat, contributing to a staggering global total of approximately 70 billion. The production of these animals is tightly controlled by a few corporations, such as Aviagen, which breeds chickens to grow rapidly, reaching slaughter weight in just 30 days compared to 120 days in the 1950s. This accelerated growth often results in severe health issues, including skeletal deformities and organ failure.
In the egg industry, the plight of male chicks is particularly troubling. As they do not produce eggs, approximately 15,000 male chicks are killed daily in Sweden alone, often by gassing, immediately after hatching. Female hens, on the other hand, are subjected to intensive laying cycles, producing nearly an egg a day—far beyond what is natural for their bodies. This takes a severe toll on their health, causing conditions like osteoporosis and egg peritonitis. At just 1.5 years of age, when their productivity declines, hens are slaughtered.
Photo: Vegomagasinet
The Case for Plant-Based Alternatives
Given the environmental and ethical implications of animal-based foods, a plant-based Christmas table is a powerful way to celebrate the season while minimizing harm. Here are a few traditional dishes that can be easily turned vegan:
Vegan Ham: Swap out traditional ham for seitan-based roasts, flavored with smoky glazes.
Plant-Based Meatballs: Replace meatballs with versions made from lentils, chickpeas, or soy.
Vegan Rice Pudding: Use almond or oat milk for a creamy and delicious dessert.
Vegan Gravlax: Thinly slice marinated carrots as a sustainable alternative to cured salmon.
Recipe Resources:
USA: Check out websites like Minimalist Baker or Veganuary for inspiration.
UK: Explore recipes on BBC Good Food’s Vegan Section.
Sweden: Visit Jävligt Gott, Vegomagasinet and VäljVego for creative vegan takes on Swedish classics.
Tips for a Greener Christmas Table
Prioritize Seasonal and Local Produce: Reduce food miles by focusing on vegetables like Brussels sprouts, root vegetables, and cranberries.
Avoid Food Waste: Plan portions carefully and get creative with leftovers.
Sustainable Beverages: Opt for organic wines and locally produced drinks.
Reusable Decorations: Use natural materials like pinecones, dried orange slices, and reusable tableware to reduce waste.
Encourage Conversation: Share the story of your plant-based dishes to inspire others to consider sustainable eating.
A Celebration of Compassion
Transitioning to a more plant-based Christmas table is not only a way to protect the environment but also an opportunity to honor the values of compassion and care that the holiday season represents. By making conscious choices, we can celebrate in a way that is kind to animals, reduces our ecological footprint, and inspires a brighter, greener future for all.