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 the environment. The movement gained traction as concerns grew regarding the health implications of the average American's annual meat intake exceeding 200 pounds, the ethical issues highlighted by factory farm investigations, and the increasing awareness of animal agriculture's substantial environmental impact.

During the 2010s, public interest in plant-based alternatives surged, with polls indicating widespread efforts to cut back on meat. Initiatives like Meatless Monday gained popularity in schools and hospitals, while celebrities embraced veganism, and venture capitalists invested heavily in plant-based meat companies such as Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat. Kenny Torrella, a senior reporter for Vox's Future Perfect section focusing on animal welfare and the future of meat, noted this period as one where "eating less meat and embracing plant-based food was to many Americans aspirational."

The rise of plant-based alternatives was fueled by technological advancements in food science. Companies like Impossible Foods utilize heme, a molecule found in both animal and plant tissues, to create plant-based burgers that mimic the taste and texture of beef. Beyond Meat employs a process of heating, cooling, and applying pressure to plant proteins to replicate the fibrous structure of meat. These innovations aimed to provide consumers with familiar culinary experiences while reducing reliance on animal products.

However, the initial enthusiasm surrounding meat reduction has seemingly waned, prompting a reevaluation of its potential impact. Despite the temporary decline in popularity, the underlying reasons for reducing meat consumption remain relevant. The environmental footprint of animal agriculture, including greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption, continues to be a pressing concern. Furthermore, advancements in plant-based and cultivated meat technologies offer increasingly viable alternatives for consumers seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

Companies like New School Foods, a Toronto-based startup, are developing plant-based salmon filets using innovative techniques to replicate the texture and flavor of seafood. These advancements suggest a potential resurgence in the movement towards reduced meat consumption, driven by both environmental concerns and technological progress. As consumers become more aware of the impact of their dietary choices and as plant-based alternatives become more accessible and appealing, reducing meat consumption may once again emerge as a significant and impactful New Year's resolution.