The need for sustainable, ethical and environmental change is now very real. We round-up the latest reports and campaigns on food and sustainability, including World Meat Free Week and the changes Brits are making to our classic cuppa

The classic British cuppa is on the decline as Brits call for a dairy-free, eco-friendly brew

The average Brit drinks approximately 100 cups of tea per month, but according to the latest research by Clipper Tea, the classic two sugars and milk is on the decline.

It was revealed that 52% of Brits have quit sugar in their tea completely, 25% are opting for no milk or a dairy-free alternative, while 83% demand their tea brands are completely Fairtrade.

Clipper found that Brits are also demanding more morality when it comes to tea production, with nearly 60% of tea drinkers declaring the importance of consuming Fairtrade products and a remarkable 95% demanding tea bags be entirely plastic-free.

The research marks the launch of Clipper’s Tea Swap and #actTEAvism campaign. Celebrating 25 years of its Fairtrade credentials, and being the world’s largest Fairtrade tea brand, Clipper Tea is shouting loudly to make sure every cuppa counts by encouraging people to make small sustainable swaps.

Face of the campaign, broadcaster and activist Laura Whitmore said: “People need to get out there and do more and it all starts with one cuppa.

“There are lots of other small things you can do whether that’s using paper straws, wearing ethically sourced clothing or drinking Fairtrade tea. None of us are perfect but it’s introducing small things that will in time make a big difference.”

With the topic of sustainability so hot, it can be overwhelming to understand just how you can make an impact. But small swaps can make a huge difference. Already, 33% of Brits are using paper straws instead of plastic, while 26% are opting for reusable cups and 24% are drinking Fairtrade tea.

And the benefits aren’t only for the planet, it seems we all benefit from making these changes, with 77% of Brits reporting feeling better about themselves when doing something good for the environment, while 58% believe you can make a positive a positive difference to the world by drinking sustainable tea.

We’ll certainly drink to that!

Meat Free Week 2019 encourages Brits to make a simple swap to save the planet

This week (17 - 23 June) marks World Meat Free Week, where Brits are encouraged to make a simple swap to at least one meat-free meal to reduce the impact we are making on the planet and our health. Whether for environmental, animal welfare or health reasons, the push toward meat and dairy-free alternatives has grown over recent years. And that’s not to say you need to cut out animal produce completely, even the smallest of swaps can help make a change.

Experts have said that by 2050, “the developed world will need to reduce their meat consumption by 50%.” While that sounds like a lot, especially if your meals focus mostly on animal produce, it’s actually really easy to introduce meat-free cooking into your life.

The recent changes in eating habits has meant that supermarkets have needed to adapt their offerings to meet consumer demand. That means we now have a much bigger choice when it comes to meat and dairy alternatives, with dedicated vegetarian, vegan and free-from aisles.

It might surprise you how much of an impact going meat-free can have on not only the planet, but your health.

According to #WorldMeatFreeWeek, the impact of two people choosing two meat-free meals would save the carbon equivalent of boiling 1,553 kettles and a dietary fat reduction equivalent to the weight of 9 teaspoons of butter. Whatever your reasons for making the swap, your small change will make a big difference.

Ubamarket, the supermarket shopping app surveyed 2,005 UK adults to understand more about our changing diet trends and sustainable choices.

Key findings include:

  • Brits are spending £25 a week on vegetarian/vegan products (£1.3 billion a year)
  • 36% (19 million Brits) are buying vegetarian/vegan products despite eating meat
  • 31% (16 million Brits) are eating more vegetarian/vegan meals than ever before
  • 32% (17 million Brits) are making a conscious effort to eat less meat
  • 26% of Brits report campaigns such as Veganuary shape their shopping habits

With campaigns such as #WorldMeatFreeWeek, Meat Free Monday and Veganuary, it’s easier than ever to access information on plant-based and meat-free living.

As the knowledge around the environmental impact grows, so does the conversation and the community. Recipes and vegan and vegetarian produce are much more accessible, with cookbooks and online resources in abundance.

Talk to your friends and challenge each other to go meat-free once, twice a week and see how you feel. You may even discover a passion for vegetables and cooking that you never knew you had.

It’s thought that nearly 600,000 Brits identify as vegan, but did you know there is more than one type? Read our article 5 Types of Vegan, or read our interview with author and activist Lucy Watson to learn more about being vegan and the steps she suggests you take to introduce a more plant-based lifestyle.

If you would like to make a change to your diet and lifestyle, but don’t know where you start, visit Nutritionist Resource to find a professional in your local area.