NOVEMBER 1ST IS NOT ONLY THE DAY DEDICATED TO THE CELEBRATION OF ALL SAINTS, BUT ALSO WORLD VEGAN DAY. A DAY DEDICATED TO REFLECTING THE IMPACT THAT OUR FOOD AND CONSUMPTION CHOICES CAN HAVE ON OUR LIVES. ARE MORE AND MORE ITALIANS WHO HAVE CHOSEN TO REDUCE THEIR MEAT CONSUMPTION. THIS IS IN SUPPORT OF A CHANGE THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO PRESERVING THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THE PLANET
The importance of a sustainable diet for the planet and human health
According to the WWF Italia choosing a predominantly plant-based diet can have a significant impact on our ecosystem. The organization, through the campaign Our Futureunderlines, in fact, that one vegan diet can consume around half of the fresh water, produce a quarter of the greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution, exploit a quarter of the land and have an impact on biodiversity by a third compared to an omnivorous diet (with 100 g of meat per day).
A growing trend: Italians and meat consumption
The vegan diet is finding growing attention in Italy and in Europe. A European study indicates that 59% of Italians say they have reduced their meat consumption, seeing Italy in first place in the EU, equal with Germany. The main reasons behind this choice include health (47%), animal welfare (29%) and environmental concerns (26%).
The numbers of the vegan product market in Italy
Almost 10% of Italians declare themselves “veg”, with 7% adopting a vegetarian diet and 2% completely vegan. This trend is also reflected in the food market: In 2023, the value of sales of plant-based products reached 641 million euros, an increase of 16% compared to 2021, despite the general increase in prices.
The environmental impacts of the global food system
«WWF’s Living Planet Report 2024 highlights a dramatic analysis of the effects of the global food system on the planet». To declare it is Eva AlessiHead of Sustainability at WWF Italy, adding that it is essential that the global food system is sustainable and to do this, high-income countries must drastically reduce the production (even outsourced) and consumption of foods of animal origin.
The health benefits of a vegan diet
A balanced vegan diet can also offer various benefits for the human health: among these a reduction in the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. These advantages seem to derive from one increased intake of fibre, antioxidants and phytonutrients, as well as a reduced presence of saturated fats, typically higher in omnivorous diets and an improvement in the intestinal microbiota.
Towards an “intermittent vegan diet”: expert advice
The nutritional biologist and president ANC (Italian Association of Nutritionists in the Kitchen), Domenicantonio Galatà proposes a «sort of “intermittent vegan diet”. A way of adhering to the vegan diet that is also accessible to those who, due to health, seasonality or religion, already find themselves alternating periods of abstention from certain foods», and encouraging approach the adoption of a completely plant-based diet for one week a month, following the seasonality of foods.
Sustainable and circular agriculture
Precisely with a view to an intermittent vegan diet, the WWF is keen to place emphasis on the importance of encouraging sustainable forms of livestock farming. These activities can in fact allow us to restore the fertility of the land and conserve biodiversity.
Per sustainable agriculture it is necessary to bring animal breeding back into a circular economy process within farms, where animals are raised respecting their well-being and the surrounding environment. Practices such as organic livestock farming on a farm are fundamental because they allow the ecological cycle of the company to be ‘closed’.
Veganism is also a lifestyle
Veganism extends beyond food choices, also influencing clothing and everyday products. The cosmetics and clothing industries still use numerous ingredients and materials of animal origin, which could often be replaced with plant-based or synthetic alternatives. Vegan certifications and product labels can help consumers make informed and sustainable choices.
