From Plate to Planet: Love it or Hate it? How Veganuary Choices Can Transform Our Future

Tanvi Varma | 24th January 2025 | 4min read

Happy faces at our first Meetup of the year!

What a fantastic start to 2025! We held our first online Future Green Members Monthly Meetup of the year, focusing on a topic that’s both timely and transformational: Veganuary and the role of plant-based choices in building a better future.

Our January Meetup brought together an inspiring community of sustainability leaders, and we were honoured to welcome not one but two brilliant guest speakersTina Barrat, a celebrated chef and plant-based advocate, and Katie Tang, a key voice in Shanghai’s thriving vegan restaurant scene.

Both Tina and Katie shared their personal journeys and professional insights, leaving us energised and ready to tackle the year ahead. If you missed the session, don’t worry—here’s a recap of the key takeaways that had everyone talking.

1. Every Bite Counts

Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Both Tina and Katie reminded us that even small shifts towards a plant-based lifestyle can make a significant difference.

It’s not about going all-in overnight. Instead, try replacing a couple of meals a week with plant-based options. These small, consistent changes can lead to big wins—not just for your health, but also for the planet and our food systems.


2. Creativity Fuels Change

If you think plant-based food is boring, think again!

Tina wowed us with her innovative approach to cooking, from giving traditional dishes a vegan twist to experimenting with ingredients like microalgae. Meanwhile, Katie highlighted how Shanghai’s vegan dining scene is redefining what sustainable eating can look like—fun, accessible, and full of flavour.

Their message was clear: creativity in the kitchen can inspire not only individuals but also businesses and entire communities to embrace plant-forward choices.


3. Driving Global Impact Through Diet

What we choose to put on our plates matters. Tina and Katie underscored how plant-based diets align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making our everyday food choices a powerful tool for change.

  • SDG 2: Reducing hunger by supporting sustainable agriculture.
  • SDG 13: Combating climate change through reduced emissions.
  • SDG 15: Protecting biodiversity by easing pressure on ecosystems.

It’s a simple yet profound idea—rethinking our diets can ripple out to create meaningful change for people and the planet.

Tina and Katie giving a glimpse of their beautiful vegan food journeys!

What’s Next?

We’re thrilled to announce that this Meetup is just the beginning!

Our next Monthly Meetup will take place on 11th February 2025, where we’ll dive into the topic of Sourcing Seafood Responsibly. Expect actionable insights, expert speakers, and another chance to connect with a like-minded community.

👉 Mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates!

Missed the Session?

Not to worry—you can still catch up! The recording and slides from this month’s Meetup are available on our Member community platform.

If you’re not already a member, signing up is free and easy. Join us today to access this and a wealth of other resources.

👉 Access the Recording and Slides Here (For Members Only)

Tina telling us about her journey from fashion jewellery to becoming a vegan chef

Chef Tina truly went the extra mile, adding a delicious twist to our Meetup! She has graciously offered to treat our Kahoot quiz winner, Keleim, to an unforgettable vegan dinner for two at Yudei Restaurant in Sham Shui Po. A massive congratulations to Keleim on your well-deserved win—savour every bite of this culinary adventure!

Join the Movement

Creating a sustainable future for our food systems is no small feat, but it’s one worth striving for. At Future Green, we’re committed to empowering food industry professionals to lead this change.

Find out more about our Future Green Membership 3.0, which offers exclusive tools, events, and resources to help you stay ahead in the world of sustainable food. Have questions? Drop us a line at hello@futuregreen.global.

Let’s make 2025 the year we revolutionise the food and beverage industry, one plate at a time.

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Got questions or ideas? Email us at hello@futuregreen.global.

Together, we’re not just talking about a sustainable future; we’re building it. Let’s make every meal a story worth telling.

Stay green, stay inspired.

Future Green Team