Meat free Germany - 3rd January 2024

Nicknamed 'Veganuary' in many countries, January's become a month when many people choose to cut out meat consumption and turn to a plant-based diet - at least for 31 days.

Veganuary's gained momentum in recent years, which perhaps indicates a move away from meat eating - if not a total abandonment of it. Even in sausages and schnitzel loving Germany, meat consumption has taken a dive in recent years.

In 1989, when records began, Germans were consuming, on average, 60 kilograms per person annually. In 2023, that figure dropped to an all time low of 52 kilograms. The statistics delighted Sebastian Joy - head of the NGO 'Pro-Veg International'.

Sebastian Joy: "On the one hand, it's good for the animals in factory farming, it's good for climate change and it's better for consumer health."

The reasons why people are reducing their meat consumption are many and varied. Animal welfare, the drugs that animals are given, as well as climate change and the environment are all of concern to those who attended a vegan festival in Berlin.

Britta Lange: "Why do I eat less meat? The main reason is animals, because in recent years we've learned a lot more about how they're killed, how they're treated and where they come from."

Vera: "Animals are living beings. They feel pain just like we do which is why I'm turning away from meat. And then there are all these toxic substances that go into food like antibiotics. I think it's very bad, but it's been like that for decades."

Florian Bussmann: "I think everyone has a responsibility towards the climate. Reducing your meat consumption is a good contribution to protecting the environment and animals too. Plus, it's better for your health."

Veganuary, the international organisation that encourages people to go plant-based in January, says in 2022 around 36 percent of the 629,000 people from 228 countries that signed up to take part, decided to remain vegan. Of the rest, 76 percent have opted to halve their meat intake and would consider going vegan again in the future.