Meat-Eaters Support Veganism as ‘Ethical’ Despite High Cost and Increased Difficulty

In the journal Sustainability from the University of Bath Psychology Ph.D. student and Researcher Network member, Chris Bryant found that 73% of meat-eaters surveyed considered veganism to be 'ethical', 70% said it was good for the environment and half (50%) considered it healthy. 60% thought veganism was 'acceptable'.

The survey showed that attitudes from respondents towards veganism were significantly more positive on almost all counts.

According to lead researcher Bryant said, it showed that most people already agree with the ethics of veganism and acknowledge the benefits of vegan diets to the environment.

However, over 80% of respondents thought veganism was not easy, 77% thought it was 'inconvenient' and over 60% thought it was not enjoyable. He said in terms of changing behaviors, this needs to be acknowledged.

The responses were from 1,000 men and women with an average age of 34 and the study was conducted in September 2018.

According to study researcher Bryant, when many people are considering switching to plant-based diets with 'Veganuary', the findings show that most people already agree with the ethics of veganism and acknowledge the benefits of vegan diets to the environment.

'Veganuary' is a campaign that encourages people to adopt the now trendy vegan lifestyle for January. It has inspired more than half a million people to give up animal-based products across the globe since 2015.

Since 2015, Veganuary has inspired more than half a million people to give up animal-based produce across the globe.

Many people choose not to switch over to such a lifestyle because it comes down to "practical matters" such as concerns regarding convenience, taste, and price. Many are put off by a diet without animal products, with half rating the food as tasteless.

Participants said it would be easier to adhere to a vegetarian diet than a vegan approach to meals.

Through the survey platform Prolific, participants were recruited. The study was partially funded by the charity Viva!, contributing to Chris Bryant's ESRC Ph.D.

Bryant's research focus was on shifting preferences away from animal consumption given climate change and reducing animal suffering.

The circumstances contributing to barriers have shifted since 2018 when the study was conducted. Bryant noted that supermarkets, restaurants, and even fast food outlets have developed numerous high-quality and affordable vegan options which makes it easier for everybody to consume fewer animal products. The development of high-quality affordable alternatives to animal products is the key.

Veganism is growing in popularity globally. Not only do they refrain from eating meat and meat-based products, but vegans are also do not consume products derived from animals.

Veganism is doing good as popular food chains Subway and KFC have already introduced vegan options to their menus in 2020. Subway's vegan Meatball Marinara sub and a vegan KFC burger were the said introduced.

People implement vegan in their daily routines for animal welfare and reducing the impact of agriculture and food production on the planet.

Mainstream meat- and dairy-free products having been made available both on supermarket shelves and in restaurants have made veganism easier than it was before.