Plant-based solutions

Claire Bass/Humane World for Animals

Every year, over a billion animals are raised for food in the UK alone, the vast majority suffering in intensive factory farms. Choosing plant-based eating is one of the most powerful actions we can all take to reduce the scale of this suffering, while also helping to improve our own health and protect the planet. 

By reducing our reliance on animal products, we can spare animals from cruelty, cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and use land and water more sustainably. From tackling the climate crisis to building a kinder, healthier food system, plant-based choices are a win for animals, the environment, and all of us. 

Humane World for Animals works in the UK and globally to encourage and enable this positive change at scale. By working with public-sector institutions that serve millions of meals, we are helping to inspire and enable people to choose to put more plants on plates. 

What is the problem with our current food system? 

Animal suffering 

In the UK, 85% of farmed animals are raised in factory farms. These intelligent, sensitive beings are kept in cramped, barren, and often unhygienic conditions, denied the chance to express natural behaviours. Every year, hundreds of millions of animals endure lives of suffering in these places to meet unsustainably high demand for meat, dairy, and eggs, but it doesn’t have to be this way. 

Environmental damage 

Animal farming is one of the leading drivers of climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Raising millions of animals requires vast amounts of land, water, and feed, making it highly inefficient. By reducing our reliance on animal products, we can cut greenhouse gas emissions, protect nature, and free up land for rewilding and kinder farming that is better for nature. 

Public health risks 

Diets high in animal products are linked to heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. In contrast, whole-food, plant-based diets can support better health and lower the risk of chronic disease. The societal risk of zoonotic diseases and antibiotic resistance is also exacerbated by factory farming of animals but avoided in a plant-centric food system. 

Shifting towards eating more plant-based foods is not only kinder to animals and the planet, but also a step towards healthier, more resilient communities. 

What can we do about it? 

Every meal is an opportunity to protect animals, care for our planet, and support our own wellbeing. By choosing to EatKind—embracing the abundance of delicious, nourishing plant-based foods—we can take a stand against cruelty and help build a future that is kinder, safer, and healthier for everyone. Small choices, made consistently, add up to a huge impact. 

Sign our EatKind pledge to be part of the growing community of plant-pioneers making positive and informed food choices. [Insert EatKind action page link: Humane World for Animals] 

How is Humane World for Animals UK working to solve the problem? 

Supporting public-sector caterers 

Charlie Huson/ Humane World for Animals

Through our Forward Food programme, we help universities, colleges and other public sector caterers put more plants on plates. By upskilling chefs, redesigning menus, and tracking the positive environmental outcomes, we empower institutions to serve meals that are healthier, more sustainable, and kinder to animals. Find out more. “[Forward Food] shared some brilliant tips and ideas on how to get the best flavours and textures into plant-based dishes, showing that sustainable food can be just as exciting and delicious as anything else on the menu.” – Mike Lear, Food and Beverage Manager, University of Nottingham 

Sustainable food systems advocacy 

We engage with policymakers to drive lasting change. Using evidence-based research and strategic partnerships, we push for policies that reduce reliance on animal farming and promote plant-based options. Our advocacy focuses on shifting public procurement in a plant-forward direction at a systemic level.

Helping you to EatKind 

Change starts with each of us. By taking our EatKind pledge, you can take a stand against cruel and unsustainable factory farming and explore the exciting, nutritious and delicious world of plant-based eating. You can also opt-in to hear from us about campaign updates, with opportunities to take action to end the worst abuses of animals on farms and help advocate for compassion for all animals. Together, our everyday choices add up and every meal is a chance to help create a better world for all. 

Check out our resources to support your transition to kinder eating:

• EatKind Guide: Find out our top five tips for compassionate eating
• Building delicious plant-based meals: Learn the key elements of how to create interesting and satisfying plant-based dishes
• Simple substitutions: Our go-to, two-page guide on easy swaps for typical animal products