March 2022
Featured in this insight: Climate change & environment, Food & drink
One in five millennials have changed their diet in an attempt to help the climate: A recent survey has uncovered that 20% of millennials have altered what they eat as a response to the increasing impact climate change is having; with many choosing plant-based options instead of meat.
The study by Compare by Review asserts that animal products, such as meat and dairy, account for almost half of all greenhouse gas emissions from food. The knowledge of this has resulted in more than half (54%) the respondents polled to identify as 'flexitarian'. The research also highlighted that cutting meat and dairy products from your diet can decrease your food carbon footprint by up to 73%.
The younger generations are also more mindful about how travelling affects the environment, found the survey, with almost half (48%) of millennials anticipating more staycations in the future. In addition, 77% of 18–29 year-olds state sustainability as a key factor when making travel decisions, compared to 48% of those aged 51 or over.
When asked about their driving habits, it was revealed that millennials, on average, drive 2,000 less miles than baby boomers and own fewer vehicles too. Many of the younger respondents also revealed that they choose to cycle rather than drive, with 46% of 18–34 year-olds being of the opinion that prioritising cyclists in cities is important.
Younger generations more likely to have a pet
The research also found that the younger generations will often choose to have a pet, with 62% of pet owners being either millennial or Gen Z; compared to 32% of pet owners being baby boomers.
