In 2025, my organization, Humane Long Island—whose campaigns and rescue work stretch from Manhattan to Montauk—saved the lives of thousands of animals. We partnered with law enforcement to hold animal abusers accountable, helped shut down a roadside zoo, distributed thousands of pounds of plant-based food to families in need, and rehabilitated and released countless animals back into the wild. Our work was featured on the covers of Newsday and amNewYork.
But you don’t need to found an animal-advocacy organization to save hundreds of animals each year. By taking just one simple Anuvrat—a small vow—of ahimsa, or nonviolence, you can spare the lives of roughly 200 animals annually simply by leaving animals and their products off your plate. This New Year’s resolution doesn’t just help animals—it helps you, too.
People who follow a vegan diet are dramatically less likely to be obese and experience significantly lower rates of cancer than meat-eaters. Replacing meat and dairy with flavorful plant-based alternatives also means eliminating cholesterol—found only in animal products—and reducing the risk of strokes, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, food poisoning, and other chronic illnesses. It’s no coincidence that elite athletes, from NFL quarterbacks to world-record strongmen, have adopted vegan diets not only for ethical reasons but also to enhance performance. The documentary The Game Changers explores this growing movement among top competitors.
Choosing vegan foods also removes you from contributing to the immense environmental toll of animal agriculture. According to research published by the Worldwatch Institute, animal farming accounts for at least 51 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions. In the United States, more than half of all water use is tied to animal agriculture, much of it wasted. Farmed animals produce 130 times more waste than the human population, and runoff from this waste pollutes rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, further threatening ecosystems and public health.
“Ahimsa Parmo Dharma,” a Sanskrit phrase popularized by Mahatma Gandhi, means “Nonviolence is the highest duty.” This year, I encourage each of us to take that principle more seriously—by improving our health, protecting our planet, and sparing animal lives through compassionate, animal-free food choices. With an ever-expanding array of delicious plant-based alternatives now available at nearly every grocery store, coffee shop, and major restaurant chain, it has never been easier to live a kinder, healthier life.
Organizations like Veganuary specialize in helping people make the transition during the New Year, and Humane Long Island is always happy to help as well. Learn more at HumaneLI.org.
John Di Leonardo is the founding director of Humane Long Island. He was previously the Senior Manager of Grassroots Campaigns and Animals in Entertainment Campaigns for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). He has a Master's degree in Anthrozoology from Canisius College. He also earned a graduate certificate in Jain Studies from the International School of Jain Studies (ISJS) in India. John can be reached at [email protected].
