Plant Forward 2024 – Campaign sees incredible Engagement across Asia

2 October 2024

This July saw ACTAsia’s third annual Plant Forward campaign in Asia with a fantastic response from the countries involved. Plant Forward is an annual two-week festival organised by ACTAsia’s Compassionate Choices Network (CCN) that celebrates plant-based living and raises awareness surrounding sustainable consumption across Asia. This year NINE countries — China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Tuvalu and Vietnam joined Plant Forward events with a range of exciting and engaging events. 

Who joined Plant Forward 2024?

Ten members of the CCN from NINE countries

Korea Agency of Vegan Certification & Services (Korea)   

Animal Rights Center (Japan) 

ACTAsia (China) 

Good Food Fund (China) 

ACRES (Singapore)

Vive (Vietnam)  

Tuvalu Climate Action Network (Tuvalu)

SHARAN (India) 

Greeneration Foundation (Indonesia) 

Philippines Animal Welfare Society (Philippines) 

See some of the the amazing results in the 2024 campaign video

What happens during the Plant Forward fortnight?

Plant Forward is the only regional campaign of its kind and every year member countries organise a wide variety of online and offline events to encourage consumers to explore the benefits of a plant-based diet, sustainable fashion and eco-friendly, cruelty-free living. Activities were hosted by CCN member organisations in their own country. In total Plant Forward promoted 35 events during the Plant Forward campaign and this year included:

• 7-day Dairy Free Challenge
• Plant Forward Bingo 
• 7-day Vegan Challenge
• 10-day Meal Swap Challenge in the Philippines 
• 3 Potlucks in 3 Indian cities 
• Cultural Cooking demonstrations
• City walks 
• Partnering with local coffee shops and restaurants to offer plant-based options
• Plant-based breakfast events with schools
• Recipe competitions
• Podcast from Greeneration about applying the permaculture system 
• Nutritionist talks about the benefits of plant-based diets
• 8 webinars including one on reducing organic waste 
• 28 celebrities in China supporting the campaign

Building on its growth from previous years, we are thrilled that Plant Forward 2024 broke all records for engagement, social media impressions and landing page visits. 

What was the impact of Plant Forward 2024

These numbers are testament to the fact that the Plant Forward campaign is resonating with consumers who want to make positive changes to their daily lives in order to promote a more sustainable lifestyle. ACTAsia’spartnerships with local plant-based companies and organisations also grew from 50 in 2023 to 93 in 2024.

What was the reaction from those taking part?

Campaigns such as Veganuary and Meat Free Mondays are popular in many western countries, but as yet, these campaigns are not so well known across Asia. Of course, many people in Asia are vegetarian due to religious reasons but we also need to spread the message that plant based diets are also hugely beneficial for humans, animals and the environment. 

The Plant Forward campaign echoes the urgent international appeal for sustainable development policies while working to provide support for such policy change by influencing consumers and public opinion to be in favour of plant-based consumption in the Asia region.

Indeed, of those who participated in Plant Forward 72% were omnivores demonstrating that the campaign is reaching the general public and generating interest in plant-based food and lifestyles, resulting in action and behaviour change. 

And we are thrilled to hear that 100% of respondents in China said Plant Forward 2024 inspired them to continue to explore plant-based diet and compassionate choices for a sustainable lifestyle.

Learning about positive meal swaps was a new concept for many but one that had a huge impact. As one participant commented: ‘I, who usually had a meat-centred diet, was able to learn more about vegetarianism and veganism and experience it first-hand through this event. I, who had a hard time trying to become a vegetarian, grew a lot thanks to these events. If we continue to hold events where people can easily challenge themselves like this, I think more people will be able to try vegetarianism like me and become interested in veganism.’

Plant Forward Bingo!

This year saw the inaugural Plant Forward Bingo game that encouraged consumers to complete a bingo card including various challenges such as ‘try a plant-based milk beverage’ and ‘plant a vegetable or herb at home’. Participants loved the idea and were also able to win prizes. One participant commented: 

‘This is the first time I’ve undertaken a series of sustainable practices consistently! In the past, my efforts were fragmented and inconsistent, perhaps due to a lack of motivation. But now, with the incentive of receiving gifts, I’m gradually on the right track, and I’m overjoyed.’  

Another participant commented: ‘As a former meat lover who preferred a balanced diet of meat and vegetables for every meal, I discovered through the Plant Forward Bingo that diversifying my food choices and embracing plant-based meals can be equally delicious.’ 

One bingo player was so thrilled with the game that he said: ‘Plant Forward Bingo game may seem difficult, but it is so easy to implement in daily life that I will continue to play it. Thank you!’

Plant Forward for the future

Plant Forward events and activities are designed to create supportive social environments, both online and offline. Plant Forward encourages people to take action and to have an emotionally rewarding social experience associated with a plant-based lifestyle.

Indeed, adopting a plant-based diet is not only fantastic for personal health but it will also help to eliminate the suffering of billions of farmed animals worldwide and help to combat the urgent climate change issue. ACTAsia’s Plant Forward campaign can literally save lives.

Plant Forward supports the UN’s Global Week to #ACT4SDGs initiative. ACTAsia works tirelessly towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and The Plant Forward campaign contributes towards the achievement of TEN United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

We are already looking forward to Plant Forward 2025

If you have been inspired by Plant Forward and want to learn more about the benefits of sustainable living then please do get in touch. Equally please consider donating to ACTAsia to help further our global reach. Your contribution directly fuels our efforts, ensuring that the message sustainable living reaches even further. Every donation counts, no matter the size. Help us further our cause and ensure a kinder future for animals, people and the environment.