The city’s four universities will swap traditional meat dishes for whole grains, seeds, and vegetables in response to student concerns over climate change.
As the conversation around climate protection continues to advance, vegan and vegetarian diets have been pinpointed as the simplest way to reduce our individual carbon footprint.
Here at Thred, we know that young people are leaders in pushing for sustainable practices around the world – and students in one of Europe’s most meat-loving countries are no exception.
A survey conducted in 2019 revealed that nearly 14 percent of people studying at Berlin’s university campuses described themselves as vegan, with a further 33 percent saying they are vegetarian.
That same year, the city’s university canteens reportedly fed over 5.6 million students.
Studierendenwerk, a student support group in the capital, noted an increase in requests for a ‘more climate-friendly’ selection at on-campus eateries – and now they’re delivering.
From October, every Berlin-based university will serve a menu that is 68% vegan, 28% vegetarian, and 2% fish-based, with only a single meat option offered four days a week.
Mondays will be completely meat free – furthering the initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of the institutions city-wide.
The popularity of two plant-based canteens known as Veggie No.1 and Veggie No.2 have proven that access to vegan and vegetarian options is a priority for those choosing to study in the capital.
The restaurant Veggie No.2 started out as an ‘experimental initiative’ which offered tasty vegan food at discounted prices for students and professors. Its positive response paved the way for the new menu coming next month.
Studierendenwerk also stated that while meat dishes like currywurst are a traditional staple in the country, a preference for plant-based diets is growing rapidly.
In fact, an international study of dietary habits led by Veganz revealed that 2.6 million people in Germany are vegan and about 3.6 million are vegetarian – that’s almost 8 percent of its total population.
The revamped canteen menu is an impactful step towards making the capital’s universities more climate-friendly, with more changes already in the works.
Berlin’s Humboldt University has begun outlining its plan to become climate neutral by 2030, with The Technical University aiming for the same goal by 2045.
As this more climate-conscious generation creates a demand for less meat on their menus, trends could suggest that we are beginning to transition towards a more plant-based society.
And with an array of affordable – and tasty – vegetarian and vegan options cropping up all over, why not?
I’m Jessica (She/Her). Originally from Bermuda, I moved to London to get a Master’s degree in Media & Communications and now write for Thred to spread the word about positive social change, specifically ocean health and marine conservation. You can also find me dipping my toes into other subjects like pop culture, health, wellness, style, and beauty. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
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