Choosing the right food not only has an impact on our health, but also on climate change. More and more people are asking themselves which diet is best for the environment. Two terms that are cropping up more and more frequently in this context are "vegan diet" and "flexitarian". But what is behind these concepts and how do they contribute to climate action? 

Vegan diet - a strong signal for climate action  

A vegan diet means completely avoiding animal products. This ranges from meat and fish to dairy products, eggs and other animal products. A vegan lifestyle has the potential to significantly reduce the ecological footprint. This is because the production of animal-based foods is very resource-intensive and is associated with high greenhouse gas emissions. The meat and dairy industry in particular is responsible for a large proportion of emissions. 

A vegan diet actively contributes to reducing energy consumption, water consumption and CO2 emissions. In addition, a vegan diet promotes biodiversity as less land needs to be used for agriculture, which in turn is used to raise animals. This makes a vegan diet one of the most effective measures individuals can take to reduce their ecological footprint. 

Flexitarians - flexibility and a sustainable middle ground  

A flexitarian is someone who eats a predominantly plant-based diet, but also consumes animal products from time to time. This diet is a good compromise for anyone who does not want to give up meat and animal products but still wants to reduce their consumption. Flexitarians consciously opt for a more sustainable diet and thus also contribute to a reduction in environmental pollution. 

The advantage of the flexitarian diet is its flexibility: you don't have to give up everything, but can gradually adapt your diet. You can significantly reduce your consumption of meat or animal products in particular, which have a particularly high impact on the climate. This decision can already have a positive impact on your carbon footprint without having to give up the entire variety of your diet. 

Conclusion - Which is better for the climate?  

There is no "right" or "wrong" when it comes to choosing between a vegan diet and a flexitarian lifestyle. Both approaches contribute in their own way to reducing the burden on the environment. A vegan diet certainly has the greatest impact on climate action, but flexitarians can also make a significant difference by making conscious choices. In the end, what matters most is that we rethink our eating habits and make them more sustainable wherever possible. Every step in the right direction helps!