1/4 Brits opting to eat sustainably

A quarter of Brits are opting for sustainable diets in order to reduce their environmental impact, according to a new survey conducted by Spoon Guru, a global artificial intelligence (AI) food technology start-up. 

According to the survey, the main reason that Brits are changing their food habits is to tackle global warming, to address animal welfare, and to tackle eco issues due to agriculture expansion.

The survey also revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed many people’s eating habits, with one in five (22%) of people highlighting the growing trend for conscious eating and the intrinsic link between eating healthily and eating sustainably.

The research also highlighted that many people would welcome more help when it comes to choosing more sustainable food options – 27% call for more guidance from retailers and 37% urge the government to collaborate with retailers to promote a dietary shift from meat to plant-heavy diets.

To help encourage people to continue to eat more sustainably, Spoon Guru have highlighted their top five tips: 

1. Eat seasonally 
2. Shop local 
3. Reduce meat intake
4. Plan ahead 
5. Look for the logo 

Adrian Hodgson, chief health officer at Spoon Guru said: ‘This study reinforces the fact that a healthy planet and healthy people are intertwined.

‘We’ve seen a significant rise in calls for dietary shifts from meat to more plant-heavy diets to combat the impact that farming animals has on the environment, with 1 in 10 Brits now following a vegetarian or plant-based diet.

‘A focus on eating less meat and adopting plant-based options as part of a well-rounded, balanced diet that includes moderate amounts of all the food groups, not only benefits people’s health but also helps to combat many urgent environmental issues – not least the threat to wildlife and the risk of pandemics.

‘Our findings show that consumers are taking heed and adapting their diets to include more sustainable food options.

‘However, the challenge remains – how can we all select better foods, not only to support our health and immune systems but to also address pressing environmental concerns? Today we are spoilt for choice and it really is a minefield out there – consumers need more help than ever when it comes to navigating healthy food items and educating themselves about more sustainable food choices.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay