What do the people on the streets of Cardiff think about the semi-vegetarian diet that’s taking 2018 by storm?
‘Flexitarian’ diets have been hailed as an answer to the planet’s rising temperature in an article from the BBC this month.
Flexitarianism, or flexible vegetarianism, involves maintaining a plant-based diet but having the freedom to consume meat from time to time.
According to a recent study by Nature, the diet, which is becoming increasingly popular, could halve greenhouse gas emissions from the farming sector.
Alt.Cardiff took to the city, seeking the public’s opinion and asking:
Whether flexitarianism is really a good idea.
Jane Slater, 54, retired barista, Cardiff
“I can see that for some people that would be a really good idea, that every now and then you can have bits of meat. For me? No, not for 15 years but yeah, if I wasn’t vegetarian then I would do the flexi thing and definitely keep meat on the edges of my diet.”
David Valentine, 58, hospitality manager, London
“In theory it sounds like a good idea, but again, even with flexitarian it depends where the various food stuffs are coming from. It’s not specifically what types of food are eaten, it’s sustainability, where it’s produced and how far it has to travel from production to consumer.”
Heidi Ryan, 29, Aveda assistant manager, Cardiff
“I do agree with it actually because then you get that little option to have it [meat], maybe as and when you want it, but cut back as much as possible and then probably end up being a vegetarian anyway so, definitely.”
Ryan Herbert, 34, retail, Cardiff
“For anything that helps towards that goal [limiting climate change], good, I think. I don’t know if I would do it, but I like meat.”
Olivia Davies, 23, unemployed, Cardiff
“What’s the point in that? Being vegetarian is the whole point of not eating meat, it’s the same as being vegan, it’s the whole point of not having any dairy products or animal products. I don’t agree with that at all.”
Ron Williams, 79, retired teacher, Aberdare
“I think there’s a logic to it because obviously cultivating cattle for meat is damaging to the environment. We understand that but whether people are going to change it is another thing.”
