Getting Started Guide
入门指南
Your step-by-step roadmap to plant-based eating and advocacy. Learn, lead by example, share your story, and create change on campus.
1. Learn the Facts
了解事实
To understand why plant-based eating matters for our health, planet, and community
Health: Lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers
Environment: Animal agriculture produces 14.5% of global emissions
Water: Plant-based diet uses 50% less water than meat-based
Land: 77% of agricultural land is used for livestock, producing only 18% of calories
Hunger: We could feed 10 billion people on crops grown for livestock
Ethics: Aligns with values of compassion and non-harm
Economics: Plant-based meals cost 30-40% less
Cultural: Many Chinese Buddhist traditions embrace plant-based eating (素食)
2. Start Your Own Journey
开始自己的旅程
Lead by example, make the transition in a way that works for you
Begin with familiar dishes: mapo tofu, vegetable noodles, fried rice
Try 'Meatless Mondays' or one plant-based meal per day
Replace ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh
Swap dairy milk for soy milk, oat milk, or almond milk
Stock pantry basics: rice, noodles, tofu, beans, vegetables
Meal prep on weekends to save time during busy weeks
Join campus dining campaigns for more plant-based options
Track your impact: meals, CO2 saved, animals spared
3. Share Your Story
分享你的故事
Inspire others through authentic conversations and social media
Post your meals on Instagram/Xiaohongshu with #PlantBased
Share why YOU chose plant-based (health, environment, values)
Focus on benefits, not judgment—'I feel great' not 'you should too'
Answer questions honestly about challenges and solutions
Host a plant-based potluck dinner for friends
Share recipes and restaurant recommendations
Use statistics and facts to educate, not lecture
Lead with curiosity and kindness in every conversation
4. Organize & Advocate
组织倡导
Create lasting change through campus activism and community building
Start a plant-based student organization or club
Petition dining halls for more plant-based options
Host documentary screenings (What the Health, Cowspiracy)
Organize 'Meatless Monday' challenges with prizes
Partner with sustainability and environmental clubs
Table at campus events with free samples and info
Invite speakers: nutritionists, chefs, activists
Build a WeChat/WhatsApp group for Chinese international students
Tips for Effective Advocacy
有效倡导技巧
Start with one plant-based meal per day, then gradually increase
Join or create plant-based student groups for support and impact
Collaborate with sustainability and health organizations on campus
Focus on 'why' you're passionate: clarity helps you inspire others
Document your journey: share wins, challenges, and recipes
Don't aim for perfection:
every meal makes a difference