The plant-based revolution has been accompanied by an extraordinary rise in vegan gastronomy . From Michelin-starred restaurants to Instagram influencers , plantbased food has never been so trendy . As for the activists , they are more numerous than ever , dedicated to combatting the aggressive practices of the meat and dairy industry , which are compounded by the industries ’ large carbon footprint . Don ' t panic – solutions exist !
Scientific research as a driver for change
In the 2000s , Al Gore called climate change an “ inconvenient truth ”. Today , the carbon footprint of the meat and dairy industry is another such truth . While scientific literature on the subject is plentiful , consumers have been slower to react . Let ' s face it : our love of delicious flavours is deeply rooted in our culture . In Mauritius , chicken curry could almost be included on the UNESCO heritage list because it is so revered – and why not ?! After all , a number of French cheeses already have that honour .
Yet what use will this culinary heritage be if we leave our children an uninhabitable planet ? Here are a few figures that illustrate the scale of the problem : the meat and dairy industries use 83 % of the world ' s agricultural land but provides only 18 % of the globe ’ s calories . Livestock farming is also the main cause of deforestation of tropical forests . Today , more plants are grown to feed farm animals than people . Finally , agriculture and aquaculture threaten 24,000 of the 28,000 species currently in danger of extinction .
With the high methane emissions ( as well as other harmful gases ) these industries produce , and their large land , feed , and water requirements , the meat and dairy industries are not only inefficient , they are – frankly - polluting . These industries are now responsible for about 15 % of greenhouse gases ; isn ' t it time to change our habits ?
There are no excuses anymore !
A greedy revolution
Environmentalists and activists say there are no excuses any more . In the developed world at least , tasty alternatives to meat are on the rise . Whether you ' re a committed revolutionary or a concerned carnivore , here are a few ways to get started !
• For carnivores : Switch to plantbased meats
Favouring a plant-based diet no longer means sacrificing flavour . Dozens of startups are working hard to offer consumers what they would miss most in a vegan world : tender , juicy meat . Sounds too good to be true ? Try it ! On the menu : red meat , chicken , sausages , eggs , bacon , or even salmon ( yes , really !). To obtain the desired texture and taste , these companies work with vegetable proteins ( soya , grains , etc .) and refine their recipe by adding vegetable oils such as coconut , condiments , and sometimes seitan ( gluten ).
Others have gone further . In 2013 , Professor Mark Post of Maastricht University created the first laboratory-grown meat made from animal cells . Since then , cultured meat has become the subject of major research – research that could contribute to food security and the fight against climate change . Since December 2020 , Singaporeans have been able to eat cultured chicken , although no other country has yet certified lab-grown meat for consumption .
Dairy products made from plant-based milk proteins are already on the market . Frustrated by vegan alternatives to cow ' s milk , the founders of the startup Perfect Day teamed up with bioengineers to make the first whey protein from microorganisms . It is now used by several dairy manufacturers . Recently , Real Deal Milk announced plans to produce cheese in the same way !
• For the flexible : Rethink your plate
If the idea of a vegan diet makes you dizzy , start by reducing your meat and dairy intake – for example , treat your meat as a side dish rather than the centrepiece of the meal . Eating these products less often , with a clear conscience , makes them more enjoyable – like a fine wine saved for a special occasion ! Focus instead on legumes , fresh fruit and vegetables , nuts , seeds , and plant-based milk . The key to success is variety – discover new pleasures , try different recipes , and have fun .
• For the warriors : Go vegan !
Driven by their convictions and supported by scientific literature and the plethora of alternatives now available , more and more people are making the switch - although it does require some preparation . Ed Winters , ambassador of the vegan movement , is quick to remind aspiring vegans that educating oneself is essential , to be sure of eating a diet that covers all the critical nutritional elements . A varied and rich vegan diet is perfectly possible , including for pregnant and breastfeeding women . Recipes and tutorials abound , and vegan chefs are redoubling their creativity to seduce the taste buds . From creamy Tofu Makhani to decadent Champignon Bourguignon , vegan gastronomy is going from strength to strength !
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