The Growing Trend Of The Social Omnivore
Veganism has soared in popularity over the last few years, thanks to the growing awareness of sustainability, but it seems there’s quite a few people who can’t give up their bacon sarnie or favourite ice-cream.
Although there are plenty of alternatives available these days, there are still some barriers to ditching animal products entirely, which is why more and more people are becoming social omnivores instead of fully-fledged vegans.
This is someone who doesn’t touch meat or dairy at home, but is more flexible when out with their friends or family.
In fact, The Conversation reported the biggest obstacle to eating less meat was other people. This came ahead of inconvenience, avoiding food waste, or even being unable to resist temptation.
Unlike flexitarians, social omnivores only eat meat in social settings. Therefore, instead of deciding whether to eat meat or not every time they choose a meal, they are strictly vegan or vegetarian at home.
Of course, this type of lifestyle will not satisfy strict vegans, but the publication states: “Becoming a social omnivore today will be better for your health and the environment than a plan to become a vegan tomorrow.”
However, lots of people have gone a step further and committed themselves to veganism. In fact, 14 per cent of the British population, or 7.2 million adults no longer eat animal products.
Gen Z are particularly keen vegans, and nearly half (43 per cent) intend to get rid of meat from their diet this year.
Being a vegan means more than just not eating animal products, as you should avoid them in clothes, toiletries and cosmetics as well. There is plenty of choice available of women’s and men’s vegan skincare these days, so take a look around.
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