Being vegetarian

This week COP26 stakes place. Where world leaders, negotiators, government representatives, businesses, and citizens talk for 12 days about the changing climate. A lot of companies are letting themselves out on social media. Also, The Vegetarian Butcher has an opinion about this because of all the greenhouse gasses that come from food nearly 60% come from meat. Regarding this subject, I interviewed a vegetarian: Eva van Dijk. Curious about her experience and opinions about being a vegetarian? Keep reading!

So nice of you to join us! Before we begin, would you like to introduce yourself?
Yes, of course! My name is Eva and I will be 22 in two weeks. I study Communication at the Hogeschool of Utrecht (higher education) for 2,5 years now. So, I am in my third year. I live in Utrecht as a student house and I’d like to go to the gym three times a week.

You are a vegetarian if I am correct?
Yes, that’s right. I am a vegetarian for two years and one month to be precise. But I tried to eat completely plant-based most of the time. That means, no eggs, yogurt, or milk.

Have you eaten meat since you became a vegetarian?
Unfortunately yes. But that was completely by mistake!

Why did you choose to be a vegetarian?
Because of the animal suffering. I saw a documentary about the Dutch slaughterhouses two years ago and after that, I decided to be a pescatarian. And after 1.5 years I also decided not to eat fish because of the bad environment.

Do you think it is important to exchange your point of view with other people on this subject?
Yes, very important.That’s why I always will exchange my point of view when asked. And people don’t like you forcing your opinion about something like this. It doesn’t work if you push others. It must be someone’s own decision!

What do your family and friends think about you being a vegetarian?
At first, they were afraid that I would be missing vitamins. But now they are very proud of me. Sometimes it is hard or maybe even annoying to cook a separate meal for me and I understand. I am lucky with young housemates who are flexitarian because of me.

Is it difficult to be a vegetarian?
Especially when you’re with a lot of people and you’re the only one who’s vegetarian. Or when you don’t have a choice in a restaurant. But it doesn’t happen so often.

Do you understand why people want to eat meat or won’t be vegetarian?
Yes, I do. People find meat delicious and they don’t think in long terms of our environment but that’s okay. I am happy with any progress.

What would you do if you go eating at someone’s house and they serve a meal with meat in it?
I wouldn’t eat it. Apologize to the person who made the meal and explain why I don’t want to eat it. I would go to the supermarket to buy something to eat I think.

Would you consider taking it a step further by becoming vegan?
I call myself flexi vegan. Because I eat plant-based food most of the time. A planed based diet is way healthier and I believe that will save the planet.

What is your point of view about being vegan?
Respect for the people who eat fully planed-based. But you have to be aware of missing any vitamins like B12 and Omega 3. I also use supplements for B12 and Omega 3. And I am trying a new vegan recipe and it’s delicious. I really recommended it!

Want to know more about this topic or other topics regarding climate change?
We made a top 5 list of documentaries for you!

• Cowspiracy
• A Life On Our Planet
• Seaspiracz
• Befor The Flood
• A Plastic Ocean