OVER half of young adults would choose more sustainable eating habits if carbon footprint information featured on packaging, a new survey has revealed.
The research, undertaken by YouGov and commissioned by the Vegetarian Society, also revealed that 37% of adults aged 55 and over would also eat more sustainably, if such information was available on packaging.
With the UK Government targeting reducing Britain’s greenhouse gas emissions by almost 80% by 2035, the Vegetarian Society said the findings suggest carbon labelling could play a ‘key role’ in reducing consumption of high carbon foods such as beef and lamb.
The organisation revealed that a campaign it launched last year inspired people to switch over 70,000 meat-based meals for veggie and plant-based dishes, which saved over 100 tonnes of carbon.
Chief Executive of the Vegetarian Society, Richard McIlwain, said, “Carbon footprint labelling could be a game-changer in the fight against climate change and it is heartening to see that so many young people are eager to make sustainable choices. We are therefore calling on government and food manufacturers to act urgently in rolling out clear carbon labelling on food packaging. And the survey could not be more timely, coinciding as it does with this year’s National Vegetarian Week, with thousands of people across the UK signing up to try great tasting, low carbon veggie and plant-based foods”.
