As high street restaurants and supermarkets fall all over themselves to meet the demand for vegan fare, ditching artery-clogging, planet-polluting meat, eggs and dairy has never been easier, writes Sascha Camilli.

If you’re one of the half a million people embracing Veganuary this year – and it’s never too late to join in – welcome! Here are some quick and easy ways to succeed.

Swap your favourites for vegan versions

Replace the meals you know and love with plant-based options that are just as tasty. It really is as easy as swapping a beef burger for a beet burger (try Iceland’s No Bull burgers) or using veggie mince in your spag bol. Rather than a cow’s milk latte, use plant milk – made out of soya, oats, almonds, and more. At Starbucks, you can now do this at no extra charge. While you’re there, check out the chain’s new vegan fish sandwich. Love fast food? Get your hands on the McDonald’s McPlant or vegan “chicken” nuggets at Burger King. Delicious vegan options truly are around every corner.

Spot the “accidentally vegan” stuff

Not all vegan products are labelled as such – but a glance at the ingredients label often proves they are. Aside from the obvious (fruit, vegetables, grains, and most breads), you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that many types of pasta, biscuits, crisps and protein bars and a variety of spreads and toppings are vegan, too. See a great list of over 40 accidentally vegan snacks here

Ask for the vegan menu

Whether you’re having a night out in ’Spoons, which has a new Beyond Meat burger, or a romantic dinner for two, most restaurants have you covered. New launches include Nando’s chickpea burger and Wagamama’s vegan fish and chips, while vegan pasta options are available at Bella Italia and Zizzi. Brighton locals are lucky – our city is one of the most vegan-friendly places in the country. Try Purezza, Happy Maki, The Vurger Co, What the Pitta! or any of the plentiful eateries offering scrumptious flavours no animal had to suffer for.

Use one of the many cracking vegan egg replacers

With so many substitutes readily available, there’s no reason to support the cruel egg industry. When you can use ripe bananas to add moisture (one mashed banana can replace one egg in cakes and pancakes), flaxseed or chia seeds for binding (combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water to make a thick and gelatinous egg replacer), and baking powder or carbonated water for leavening, baking is as easy as (vegan) pie.

Look for the bunny logo at the beauty counter

From make-up to toothpaste and brushes made from badger hair, toiletries may be tested on animals and/or contain animal products. Thousands of animals are suffering in laboratories right now, as legal loopholes still allow companies to test cosmetics on animals. No one should die or suffer for a lipstick or soap – so check out the more than 5,000 certified cruelty-free companies on PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies list before you buy.

Choose vegan leather over a cow’s skin

Adding to your wardrobe during Veganuary? You’ll want to reconsider leather. The industry kills more than 1 billion animals every year for bags, shoes and belts while also polluting the planet (cow’s leather is considered the most environmentally damaging fabric in fashion). Fortunately, there’s no need to participate in such destruction, as a variety of vegan leathers is now available. Materials made out of mushrooms, cork, apples, cacti and pineapples are just a few of the many new-generation vegan leathers. Check out PETA’s Fashion Awards for vegan wardrobe inspiration, and look for the PETA-Approved Vegan logo when shopping.

Walk away from wool

Just like leather, wool is best left on the rack. Undercover footage from 14 investigations by PETA entities around the world has shown workers punching, kicking and stamping on sheep, leaving them bleeding and terrified. Many die from exposure to the elements after being shorn, and “mulesing” – carving skin and flesh off sheep’s backsides in an effort to prevent flystrike – is still commonplace. Opt for vegan-friendly, sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, Tencel, linen, bamboo and recycled fibres.

Choose comfort without cruelty

If you’re decorating your home this month, approach the task with the Veganuary spirit, too. Choose comfortable throws made from organic cotton instead of wool. Furniture can be made with plant leathers that no cow died for. Buying new bedding? Steer clear of down – the feathers are often plucked while the birds are still alive. The latest PETA Vegan Homeware Awards offer many interior design ideas, from down-free bedding and wool-free rugs to vegan scented candles.

Cook up a storm!

You don’t need to splash out on expensive cookbooks to whip up healthy vegan dinners. Check out hundreds of free recipes here and order PETA’s free vegan starter kit. Above all, have fun with Veganuary. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and remember that in one month of being vegan, you’ll have saved the lives of around 16 animals. Now that’s a great way to start the new year.

READ MORE: Veganuary: Brighton ranked among best cities for vegan-friendly food options

Sascha Camilli is senior PR coordinator at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). She lives in Brighton.