Americans seeking impactful New Year's resolutions may find that revisiting the trend of reducing meat consumption, as seen in the 2010s, offers significant benefits for personal health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. During the previous decade, a growing number of individuals expressed interest in plant-based diets, with many actively trying to decrease their meat intake, according to public opinion polls.
The rise in popularity of reducing meat consumption was fueled by several factors. Health concerns related to the average American's annual consumption of over 200 pounds of meat played a role. Undercover investigations exposing the conditions of factory farms raised ethical questions about animal treatment. Furthermore, increasing awareness of animal agriculture's substantial environmental impact contributed to the shift.
Venture capital investments in plant-based meat alternatives, such as those produced by Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, reflected the growing belief that these products represented the future of food. These companies developed innovative technologies to mimic the taste and texture of meat using plant-derived ingredients, offering consumers alternatives that addressed both health and ethical concerns.
"People were concerned about what the more than 200 pounds of meat that Americans eat on average each year does to our health," stated Kenny Torrella, senior reporter for Vox's Future Perfect section. "Undercover investigations that exposed the cruelty of factory farms shocked us. And animal agriculture's huge environmental footprint slowly gained attention in the news."
While the initial surge in plant-based eating may have plateaued, the underlying reasons for its appeal remain relevant. Companies like New School Foods, a Toronto-based startup, continue to innovate in the plant-based sector, developing products like plant-based salmon filets that aim to replicate the sensory experience of eating animal products. By embracing these alternatives, individuals can reduce their environmental footprint, support more humane treatment of animals, and potentially improve their own health.
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