Going vegan can reduce your food-related emissions by up to 50% yet only a fifth of Brits are aware that farming cows and sheep results in climate change, research published by The Vegan Society reveals today (27 July).
A survey of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by us showed that even fewer people knew that livestock production results in extinction of other species (8%) and causes destruction of the rainforest (12%).
When it comes to making a permanent lifestyle change, 1 in 5 respondents (19%) said they would consider becoming vegan while the UK’s current vegan population is around 1%.
We are launching our environmental campaign Plate Up for the Planet today and urging people to “eat to save the world” as the global meat and dairy industry is responsible for as much greenhouse gases as the transport sector combined.
Louise Davies, Head of Campaigns and Policy at The Vegan Society, said: “We’re always told to change our light bulbs, cycle to work or take shorter showers but the huge carbon footprint of animal agriculture is largely ignored when it comes to fighting climate change.
“The Vegan Society wants to address this pressing issue with our Plate Up for the Planet campaign which encourages people to think differently about what they eat and how it impacts our planet.
“Going vegan is one of the most significant things an individual can do to help combat climate change and protect our natural world – why not give it a try?”
The survey showed that Brits are a green bunch, with 95% doing something on a weekly basis to help the planet.
Environmentally-friendly habits include recycling (78%), turning the lights off when they are not using them (65%) and taking re-usable bags to the supermarket (58%).
A further 41% make an effort to walk or cycle inside of driving, 49% use eco bulbs, 54% turn off the taps when brushing teeth and 51% only boil as much water as they need.
But despite our good, green intentions, we’re less conscious of what we put into our mouths with eating less meat (15%) and eating less dairy (8%) ranking as some of the things we’re least likely to do.
The Welsh were the most environmentally friendly group surveyed, with all respondents doing at least one thing to help the environment each week, compared to 11% in the North East who admitted they did not do anything on a weekly basis.
Leading authorities on climate change, including the United Nations's FAO and Chatham House, have warned it is unlikely that global temperature rises can be kept below two degrees Celsius in the absence of a radical shift in meat and dairy consumption.
Celebrities who have taken the challenge or are supporting the campaign include Made in Chelsea’s Lucy Watson, Green Party leader Caroline Lucas and Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch.
Please send the seven day vegan challenge as part of #PlateUpforthePlanet to your family and friends, and encourage them to sign up for free with their email address at www.vegansociety.com/plateup.
