According to market research company NPD Group, 12 percent of millennials (ages 23-38) identify as vegan or vegetarian, along with 11 percent of baby boomers, comprising perhaps one of the largest population blocks of herbivores since the Paleolithic era.

Going vegan and healthy in your décor is a process and takes time. But educating ourselves, waking up to the atrocities that can so easily be hidden within a home, is the first step towards a kinder, more compassionate, purer world.

Here are some of the biggest victories and milestones made in the animal protection movement in 2019.

David Bronner is not your typical CEO. The “Cosmic Engagement Officer” of Dr. Bronner’s all-natural, gender-neutral soaps—you may recognize them from their charmingly verbose packaging—is a fifth-generation soapmaker.

More cosmetics companies are going cruelty-free (finally!) but some still make products with animal ingredients like lanolin, collagen, or carmine (grrrr).

Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, canine nutritionist and founder of Plant-Powered Dog, believes people don’t have to choose between their compassion for all animals and the health of their dog.

Holidays come with invitations and family traditions. The spirit of the season reminds us to meet people where they are, to celebrate our differences, and model compassion.

Whether signing petitions and writing letters to ban cruelties on farms or using your social following to tell stories and share information, you can make a big difference for farm animals workers, farmers, communities, and the planet.

Talking to and engaging with family and friends about the issues of our food system is a great way to raise awareness. When talking to loved ones, being kind and understanding goes a long way. Here are a few tips.