Study Says 70% of Americans Rarely Discuss the Environmental Impact of Their Food

More information on climate-friendly plant-based diets is needed among American consumers, revealed results from a national survey released today by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (YPCCC) and the Earth Day Network (EDN).

The report, titled "Climate Change and the American Diet," found that half (51 percent) of Americans surveyed said that they would eat more plant-based foods if they had more information about the environmental impacts of their food choices. However, 70 percent rarely or never talk about this issue with friends or family. Nearly two-thirds of the Americans surveyed report having never been asked to eat more plant-based foods, and more than half rarely or never hear about the topic in the media.

Plant-based Foods and Mediterranean Diet Boost Gut Microbiome
Specific foods could provide protection for the gut, by helping bacteria with anti-inflammatory properties to thrive, reports a new study.

‘More than half of Americans are willing to eat more vegetables and plant-based alternatives and/or less red meat.’

Tweet it Now

Additionally, consumers are already changing their diets and purchasing habits in favor of plant-based foods.

Although four percent of Americans self-identify as vegan or vegetarian, 20 percent choose plant-based dairy alternatives about two to five times a week or more often. Roughly the same percentage choose not to buy products from food companies that are not taking steps to reduce their environmental impact.

"Many American consumers are interested in eating a more healthy and climate-friendly diet," said Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. "However, many simply don't know yet which products are better or worse -- a huge communication opportunity for food producers, distributors and sellers."

Plant-based Meat Substitutes: Is It too Good to be True?
Plant-based burgers tend to have fewer calories than burgers made with animal-based meat, reveals a new study.

The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication conducts research on public climate change knowledge, attitudes, policy preferences, and behavior, and on the underlying psychological, cultural, and political factors that influence them. It is based at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies.

Americans identified other barriers to eating more plant-based foods, including perceived cost, taste and accessibility. About half (49 percent) of Americans think a meal with a plant-based main course is more expensive than a meal with a meat-based main course.

Surprising Health Benefits of Plant-based Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Plant-based diet or vegetarian diet may ward off painful symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), reveals a new study.

The research, a nationally representative survey of 1,043 American adults, also showed that Americans would eat more plant-based foods if they cost less than meat options (63 percent) and if they tasted better (67 percent). Barriers of cost and access, including distance from grocery stores and access to fresh produce, impact lower-income households in particular.

"This data is a wake-up call for the climate movement," said Jillian Semaan, Food and Environment Director, Earth Day Network. "Animal agriculture is one of the major drivers of our climate crisis, we need to provide people with the relevant information that connects food choices, animal agriculture and climate change.'

Top Vegetables and Fruits for Healthy Diet
Include vegetables and fruits as part of your diet and improve your overall health.

Source-Eurekalert