In a world where the impact of our dietary choices is gaining traction, the rise of plant-based diets is significantly shaping the way we perceive food and sustainability. As we delve into the plant-based countries making waves with their initiatives, it’s undeniable that the shift towards a plant-based lifestyle is motivated by a combination of ethical, environmental, and health considerations.
There are few countries which have started their steps towards veganism by introducing the habit of replacing numerous products which are not environment friendly. Take a look at some of these countries.
South Korea
The Korean Vegetarian Union says about half a million South Koreans identify as vegan, while 1.5 million are vegetarian or flexitarian. The number of vegans has increased tenfold from 2008 to 2018, and has shown a growth of around 67 percent in the three years after that. The South Korea government also announced its National Action Plan for Plant-based Foods. The land of K-pop is set to boost their national plant-based food industry by inaugurating a research center for alternative proteins while making it easier to export Korean plant-based foods – and fostering the use of locally sourced ingredients!
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has witnessed a remarkable surge in the adoption of plant-based alternatives, with an increasing number of individuals and communities embracing it.The UK government has incorporated veganism into public health policies and sustainability initiatives, highlighting the role of plant-based nutrition in mitigating the environmental impact of food production and promoting individual well-being. It has been estimated that adoption of plant-based dietary patterns could on average lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions ranging from 17% to 29%, in addition to decreasing land, water and fertilizer use. A whopping 63.5% of the UK’s population bought vegan food items in 2021. The same research also said 50.8% of their population who eat meat are willing to replace at least some of their meat consumption with like-for-like plant-based meat substitutes.
Sweden
10% of the Swedish population is vegan or vegetarian and Sweden is ranked 7th among global vegan-friendly countries. It has emerged as a leading proponent of veganism, with a growing number of individuals and institutions embracing plant-based living as a means to promote sustainability and well-being. The Swedish government has introduced various initiatives into their national dietary guidelines and public health initiatives to promote plant-based dietary. From the meat-eating Swedes, the number of individuals interested in a plant-based diet increased from 27% in 2015 to around 35% in 2018. One in every five Swedes under the age of 30 identifies as either vegetarian or vegan, while 50 percent of Swedish people report that they are more interested in eating a vegan diet.
Israel
1,500 Israeli eateries and 6 500 products display the Vegan Friendly logo in 2022. The 5% vegan population in Israel has doubled since 2010 when only 2.6% of the nation described this way. The Israeli government has implemented policies and incentives to promote the production and consumption of plant-based foods, recognizing the environmental and ethical imperatives of transitioning away from animal agriculture. The success of veganism in Israel is evident in the thriving vegan culinary scene, the widespread availability of vegan options in mainstream eateries, and the growing public awareness of the benefits of plant-based nutrition for personal and planetary well-being.
Australia
Australia is home to as many as 2.5 million vegans and vegetarians and 6% of the population is vegan. Australia’s shift toward veganism carries multifaceted benefits. Embracing plant-based diets reduces the environmental strain by curbing livestock-related emissions, preserving water resources, and mitigating deforestation for animal agriculture. Health-wise, it fosters a populace with lower risks of heart disease, obesity, and certain cancers, promoting a sustainable healthcare system. 55% of Australians stopped eating meat in the last 5 years. Celebrity vegans, from actors to musicians to chefs, have played no small part in bolstering veganism statistics Australia, popularizing this lifestyle choice in a country that is strongly orientated towards meat-eating.
New York City
Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City has introduced a plant-based diet to the citizens. He experienced the power of this diet when he was fighting against the severe diseases he quoted that he was able to overcome health issues only because of a plant-based diet. The NYC Health Department launched a campaign named “Eat A Whole Lot More Plants.” It will see residents be educated about the health and environmental benefits of eating whole plant foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts. 11 New York hospitals have also introduced nourishing patients offering vegan options. This pioneering shift toward plant-based menus fosters well-being, promoting health and ethical consciousness in healthcare settings.
Germany
Lidl is a German international discount retailer chain that operates over 12,000 stores, it will offer its own brand vegan foods at the same price as meat products, encouraging consumers to explore plant-based options by removing price as a barrier, making them more accessible in-store. This initiative aims to promote easier access and consideration of plant-based alternatives, emphasizing choice beyond price.
Also, Germany’s Budget Committee allocates €38 million in 2024 for sustainable protein transition, emphasizing research, support for farmers, and establishing a Proteins-of-the-Future center. This move aligns with the coalition’s commitment, marking a significant step toward a sustainable, resilient food system endorsed by GFI Europe.
Research led by Oxford Martin School has shown that a general, global adoption of vegetarianism could reduce emissions from food-related activities by more than 60%. All over the world plant-based diets are becoming more popular, signaling a revolutionary change with a host of advantages. Beyond the health benefits to the person, these dietary choices lead to the prosperity of the community by promoting agricultural innovation, easing the strain on ecosystems, and lowering healthcare costs. These countries are ready to set an example by showing how to live in harmony with the environment, treat animals with compassion, and build a resilient, sustainable future. As more nations adopt plant-based diets, the consequences of their decisions spread, providing promise for environmental preservation, global health, and a more ethical and compassionate society.
Reference links:
https://vegnews.com/vegan-travel/south-korea-vegan-hotspot
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1360737/south-korea-vegan-population/
https://onthevegantrail.com/sweden-an-unexpected-vegan-paradise/
https://trulyexperiences.com/blog/veganism-statistics-israel/