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"You are what you eat" is a commonly heard phrase in discussions about nutrition. But could the same phrase be applied to the planet? A fact that is not spoken about frequently enough, is that food production contributes to around one-third of the greenhouse gas commission caused by humans. While many people feel unsure about how to make a meaningful impact during this environmental crisis, changing one’s food habits is a simple yet powerful step anyone can take to live a greener life. 

In this episode of Green is Easy, we met Elli Stourna, an active member of Vegan Life—a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and spreading the vegan lifestyle in Greece and beyond. Since its founding in 2016, Vegan Life has organized annual festivals in Greece that focus on veganism and sustainable living. Until this point, they have launched 20 festivals in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete, and in 2021 they became Europe’s largest vegan festival, drawing 38,000 people attendees.

Elli explains that these festivals are designed to educate, inspire, and connect people, all while offering the opportunity to enjoy delicious vegan food from various stalls. However, the Vegan Life festival goes beyond veganism as a dietary choice; it also addresses social issues such as fair labor and human rights. Elli emphasizes that veganism is not just a diet—it is a movement rooted in principles of justice. Following a vegan lifestyle means opposing the exploitation of animals in all forms, based on the belief that animals are not objects to be used for human purposes but are sentient beings with their own intrinsic value. As a result, veganism is not merely about avoiding certain foods but about embracing the idea that animals exist independently of human ownership. The festival highlights this mindset through a variety of activities, including health, nutrition, and philosophy talks, as well as workshops on sustainable farming, ethical fashion, and fair labor. In this way, veganism is presented both as an individual lifestyle choice as well as something addressing and being connected to broader societal issues.

But how does veganism relate to green practices? Generally producing animal-based food requires using more resources, such as energy, land, and water, and has higher greenhouse gas intensities than plant-based foods. For this reason, choosing a vegan lifestyle reduces one’s carbon footprint. Green food practices, however, are not just about avoiding meat and other animal products. They also involve ensuring that plant-based foods—such as vegetables, lentils, and beans—are sustainably and locally produced. This can be achieved, for example, by shopping at local farmers' markets and preparing meals at home. These simple, everyday efforts can make a tangible impact on the CO2 emissions associated with the food industry. Contrary to what some may think, adopting sustainable food habits doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s often the opposite, or as Elli puts it, “The most sustainable food, the most sustainable choice, is what people did a few years ago, when they didn’t have the luxury of eating something else.” 

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Green is easy was co-funded by the European Union and the Greek National Agency "Youth and Lifelong Learning Foundation" Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.