ProVeg Deutschland facts for kids

ProVeg Deutschland is a German non-profit group. It works to help people eat fewer animal products. This means encouraging more plant-based meals.

ProVeg Deutschland is part of a bigger global group called ProVeg International. This international group helps different ProVeg organizations around the world.

The main office for ProVeg Deutschland is in Berlin, Germany. In 2015, the group had about 14,000 members. This made it the biggest group for people who eat meat-free in German-speaking countries.

ProVeg Deutschland is also a member of the European Vegetarian Union (EVU). It is also part of the International Vegetarian Union (IVU). Thomas Schönberger has been the president since 1996. He helps publish the group's magazine, ProVeg Magazin.

What ProVeg Deutschland Aims For

ProVeg Deutschland has clear goals. They want to create a way of eating and farming that is good for the future. This means promoting vegetarian or vegan diets. These diets should be good for the environment, animals, and society. They also need to be practical for everyone.

Another goal is to reduce how much meat people eat. They also want to teach people more about animals' needs. They work to make sure animal rights are considered in food choices and laws.

ProVeg Deutschland shares scientific facts about plant-based living. They show how it helps the environment and global climate. They also explain how it can help with world hunger. The group wants to encourage healthy and planet-friendly eating everywhere.

A Look at ProVeg Deutschland's History

The first magazine for the group, called Vegetarische Warte

The idea of vegetarianism started in Germany in the 1800s. In 1867, a group called the "German Association for a Natural Lifestyle" was founded. Many other vegetarian groups followed.

On June 7, 1892, several groups joined together. They formed the "German Vegetarian League" in Leipzig. Their goal was to lower meat eating in Germany. They believed this would help solve problems with health and the environment. Their first magazine was called Vegetarische Rundschau. Later, it was renamed Vegetarische Warte.

In 1932, vegetarians from around the world met in Germany. But in 1933, their magazine stopped being published. By 1935, the group had to close down. This happened because of pressure from the Nazis. They wrongly accused vegetarian groups of promoting peace.

After Second World War, the group started again in 1946. Germany was divided into different zones then. So, two separate groups first appeared. One was the "Vegetarian Union of Germany" (VUD). The other was the "German Vegetarian Union" (DVU).

In 1956, a new magazine called Der Vegetarier began. The "German Vegetarian Council" was also created that year. Many local branches of the group started in West Germany.

In 1973, the VUD merged with another group. It took on a very long name. But from 2008, it was simply known as the "Vegetarian League Germany" (VEBU).

On April 22, 2017, the VEBU changed its name again. It became ProVeg Deutschland. It also officially joined the larger ProVeg International family.

How Membership Grew

Before 2008, the number of members stayed about the same. But after that, many more people joined. This growth happened for two main reasons.

First, more people simply signed up. Second, another group joined VEBU in 2012. This was the "Stuttgart Vegetarian Society." This merger added many new members.

How ProVeg Deutschland Gets Money

ProVeg Deutschland gets its money in a few ways. Members pay contributions to join. People also give donations. The group also earns money from the European Vegetarian Union's V-Label. This label is a special sign for vegetarian and vegan products.

There is also an "Active Fund." This fund helps pay for public relations. This means telling more people about their work.

Since 2014, ProVeg Deutschland has had a special seal. This seal shows they are transparent. It means they share information about how they are organized. They also share how they spend their money.

What ProVeg Deutschland Does

The old logo of the group

In Germany, ProVeg Deutschland can give out the V-Label. This label helps people know if a product is vegetarian or vegan. For example, some products at Aldi-Süd stores have used this label since 2014.

The group runs many campaigns to help people eat more sustainably. One campaign is "Thursday is Veggieday." This encourages restaurants and cafeterias to offer more vegetarian and vegan food on Thursdays.

ProVeg also asks people to join special events. These include the Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale. This is an annual event where people sell vegan cakes. They also take part in "meatout" campaign days.

Since 1999, the group has published a magazine. It was first called Vebu Magazin, then ProVeg Magazin. It comes out four times a year. They also make a newspaper called Veggie Times. This newspaper gives tips for people interested in plant-based eating.

ProVeg also uses other ways to share information. They have a veggie app for smartphones. This app helps people find veggie-friendly restaurants. They also have a press office. This office talks to the media about ProVeg's work.

The group has local contact points for vegetarians and vegans. These are called regional groups or contacts. In 2014, there were over 200 such groups.

The VEBU also organized the 38th World Vegetarian Congress in Dresden in 2008. They also helped start "VeggieWorld" in 2011. This is a big fair for vegan living. It started in Wiesbaden and now also takes place in Düsseldorf. Many famous people have visited the fair.

ProVeg also runs a project called "Recognising Carnism." This project helps people understand why some animals are eaten and others are not.

See also

• List of vegetarian organizations