Britons lose their taste for meat
THE latest government agriculture figures — which include imports and exports — show Britain is fast losing its taste for meat. As a nation, we ate nearly a quarter of a million fewer tonnes of the stuff last year than we did just four years ago!
The fact that the UK's population has grown by over a million in that time illustrates that, in real terms, the move away from meat is even more pronounced.
This is good news for animals. In 2009, 37million fewer of them were killed for the table compared to 2005. It is also good news for the planet; less meat consumption puts fewer strains on the environment.
It is also good for us, as vegetarian and vegan diets provide health benefits.
However, sadly it is not all good news. More than 893million animals are still killed for meat each year in the UK, most of them living appallingly short lives in squalid conditions and facing a terrifying death. If you want to join the move away from meat, and want help going veggie or cutting down how much meat you eat, call Viva! on 0117 944 100 or e-mail info@viva.org.uk for a free Go Veggie pack.
Justin Kerswell
Viva! campaigns manager
8 York Court, Wilder Street
Bristol
6 Comments
by rolf, exeter
Tuesday, May 25 2010, 8:00PM
“Everyone in my house is veggie and veggie happy. (although suzi, me little guinea pig did bite my bezzie mate last week)”
by Desperate Dan, Eating a cow pie
Tuesday, May 25 2010, 4:35PM
“God preserve us from these self-righteous, pontificating vegans and vegetarians.
If we weren't meant to eat animals, why then are they made of meat?
Bring on the steak - yom yom yom....”
by Sam, Bristol
Tuesday, May 25 2010, 11:18AM
“Unfortunately Sarah, feeding a population of 60 million people on 'locally sourced' meat just isn't realistic. And do you think those on low incomes can afford to feed their families on top-of-the-range produce?
Come on, use your heads! Any intelligent person can see that going vegetarian is the moral thing to do considering the current situation with the enviroment and factory farming of animals. As a former meat-eater and current vegan i can confirm that vegan food is indeed much tastier and healthier.”
by Sarah, Surrey
Monday, May 24 2010, 10:19PM
“Oh, and Yorkshire pudding. Burp”
by Sarah, Surrey
Monday, May 24 2010, 10:18PM
“I'm about a quarter the way through a locally produced piece of roast beef (roast Sunday night, sandwiches this afternoon, supper tonight with locally produced vegetables). A few more rounds of sandwiches, then possibly curry at the end of the week. Sorry, it tastes too good. Smugness can go hang. Tip of the day - pay more for really good meat, eat less of it in conjunction with really good vegetables. Don't listen to Justin.”
by David, Exeter
Monday, May 24 2010, 8:03PM
“Less meat? Not me. Can't wait to get my teeth into a nice juicy steak. Lovely grub!”