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. During that decade, a growing number of Americans expressed interest in cutting back on meat, with initiatives like Meatless Monday gaining traction in schools and hospitals, and celebrities experimenting with vegan diets. Venture capital firms also invested heavily in plant-based meat alternatives, such as those produced by Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat.

This shift was driven by concerns over the health implications of the average American's annual meat consumption exceeding 200 pounds, as well as increased awareness of factory farming practices and the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Undercover investigations exposing animal cruelty in factory farms prompted public outcry, while the significant environmental footprint of animal agriculture, including greenhouse gas emissions and land usage, gained increasing media attention.

Kenny Torrella, a senior reporter for Vox's Future Perfect section focusing on animal welfare and the future of meat, noted that the motivations behind reducing meat consumption remain relevant. "People were concerned about what the more than 200 pounds of meat that Americans eat on average each year does to our health," Torrella stated. "Undercover investigations that exposed the cruelty of factory farms shocked us. And animal agriculture's huge environmental footprint slowly gained attention in the news."

Companies like New School Foods are now developing innovative plant-based alternatives, such as their plant-based salmon filet, aiming to provide consumers with sustainable and ethical options. These products utilize advancements in food technology to mimic the taste and texture of traditional meat and fish, potentially making it easier for individuals to reduce their reliance on animal products.

While the initial surge in popularity of plant-based alternatives may have plateaued, the underlying concerns that fueled the movement remain pertinent. Health considerations, ethical concerns regarding animal treatment, and the environmental consequences of meat production continue to be compelling reasons for individuals to consider reducing their meat consumption in the new year.