Ending the battle between vegans, vegetarians, and everyone else | Brian Kateman | TEDxCUNY

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Many people are aware that their food choices have real-world consequences but believe that the only solution is to completely eliminate meat from their diet. Brian Kateman argues that the "reducetarian" movement can empower individuals to eat less meat with respect to their own diet in an easy and manageable way, thereby improving their health, the environment, and the lives of farm animals.
Brian Kateman is Co-Founder and President of the Reducetarian Foundation.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@helepez6012]

The problem I have noticed with "Reducetarians" is that it is not very conscious decision at every meal. The fact that everyone overestimates themselves and their positive actions and underestimates their daily consumption of animal products. SOoooo many people say that they don't eat a lot of meat yet the numbers don't lie.

[@BlondeQtie]

SO TRUE. My granny: "We don't eat meat", cooking sausages or chicken wings. It's not "meat" in a form of a steak, so it's not "meat".

[@Roanmonster]

Yes, study shows that people who cut back on meat once a week will often "compensate" on other days, yielding an overall larger than average meat consumption

[@giuseppeinfantone4952]

I add that meat call meat. If you taste meat without a strong morality you will want more.

[@maricamaas2326]

@@giuseppeinfantone4952 As is the case with wanting to eat more Salt, the body's yearning for more meat, is an indication that it needs nutrition-dense food.

[@giuseppeinfantone4952]

@@maricamaas2326 there are others dense foods without kill animals

[@lb2872]

Three years ago I decided to be vegan one time a week. I did it the first day and I never went back

[@GenuineEncountersCo]

👏👏👏

[@MrTmenzo]

💪

[@koharkhachigian7325]

If you would continue you wouldn't go back you would feel clean physically and consciously, everybody knows what those sentient beings going through plus if you do research meat is death flesh and is detremental for health

[@ralucamitran2498]

I'm happy that you decided to make a change...but please don't mistake vegan for plant-based. You were never vegan. Veganism is about not hurting animals, on top of all the rest of the problems like global warming and health issues. Good news is veganism helps all of the problems and it's really a win, win, win. Hope one day you will look into it more and consider going vegan. 😊

[@acquaindigo3296]

are you still vegan?

[@marysumthingabout]

The only battle we have is the one we have with ourselves. I grew up eating meat because of my parents. I am vegan now because of the planet the animals and most important my health.

[@Goodthoughtlol]

Are you still vegan?? Any health problems

[@tiatan2514]

Yeah and it’s been proven that meat products are what are causing some of the highest causes of diseases

[@juliewake4585]

And hopefully because you care about animals too?

[@juliewake4585]

@@tiatan2514 indeed. Watch Michael Gregor for evidence.

[@maricamaas2326]

You should be thankful to them for at least giving you a good start in life; there are many parents who cannot afford meat .

[@nale_7715]

i'm really glad that people are actually making an effort to eat less meat,i'm a vegan and this is giving me hope that people are becoming more open minded

[@phoeline3695]

Thank you for being a little sun in the bunch of hateful vegans. Appreciate people like you!

[@lukef1131]

good comment

[@atomicmudkipz3119]

*thank you finally*

[@NocturnalWrath]

luxurious banana my cousin tried feeding her son a vegan diet, he is so skinny and has broken 3 bones before the age of 10.

[@SomethingSea1]

No meat eaters ever get injuries.

[@flyingkitesatnight]

I went vegan after seeing Earthlings on youtube. I will never be the same.

[@marissag9047]

Good for you! 😊 and yes that movie is terribly sad and everyone who eats animals should watch it

[@hopey5138]

+Marissa Gimble Yes...I couldn't even watch it. I saw some random scenes included by various speakers: Yourofksy, Melanie Joy, Wollen and others.I instantly dropped the cheese, milk in my coffee and butter...the only items separating me from being a Vegan. But I still know of others who have watched the whole movie and some who have visited factory farms and continue to consume...!

[@RomaniaDeAzi]

+Joanna M so, propaganda movies changed your life.... what a shocker,

[@flyingkitesatnight]

Romania de azi meh, maybe it's propaganda but it's all real footage. Sure, it could be "isolated cases" but that doesn't matter to me. Because of my own compassion seeing the animals suffer & die woke up something that has always been there inside me. I wouldn't want to be killed for my body parts so they can be eaten needlessly so why would I do that to other sentient beings.

[@flyingkitesatnight]

Cool C nope I doubt I could eat meat ever again even if I wanted to. Definitely not beef. I have fallen off the wagon a couple times in the beginning and ate chicken, I almost threw up. I can't handle the texture. Sorry no, it isn't a fad for me. It has become a big part of my life and I will always continue to fight and care about the welfare of animals.

[@vitake022]

I'm vegan and i don't get why people are so negative, I mean, he's doing something, atleast he understands and tries to educate people and it's a great adaptation for meat eaters, after some time they might understand that they don't need meet at all. It's better than nothing.

[@kailaleegibbons6143]

I like his reducitarian concept. but his portrayal of veganism & vegetarianism is awfully negative. The hardest part of being vegan is the social disapproval, and his presentation perpetuates bad reasons to avoid being vegan.

[@BrentODell]

Perhaps, but the comment section on this very video show his portrayal of vegans was actually pretty mild. A lot of the posts here are REALLY hostile.

[@kailaleegibbons6143]

he perpetuates bad reasons to avoid being vegan that vegans have to hear over and over again as we constantly field criticism on our food choices. then on top of that we're told we are the ones that are too judgmental. I personally don't support hostile methods of vegan advocacy, but I understand those who do get that frustrated, and they're often not wrong. You may call his portrayal mild but the abuse of factory farmed animals and destruction of our environment is not.

[@BrentODell]

At the end there you hit on something important: factory farms. Most of the evils of meat production(ethical, environmental, etc.) come from the way meat is mass produced. One can still argue that killing an animal is wrong, but for most people(I think) the issue is HOW they are killed, and how they live prior to death. Certainly, the environmental impact doesn't come from small, family farms, but from industrial feed lots. This means that trying to convince the masses to eat less may have a huge impact in the amount of pollution and suffering. Trying to convince people to give up meat completely isn't working. Eating less meat also removes most(perhaps all?) of the infamous health risks. People are unhealthy because they eat a pound of meat and little to no veggies. Eating mostly plants with a little meat thrown in if what we evolved to eat. There's also the matter of animals being able to eat things we can't. Not all grazing land will support plants humans can eat. Without animals in between, the land would feed no one. As for being judgmental, I've never seen someone eating a salad and felt the need to ask where the beef was. I've had to sit through a lot of vitriol from vegans, however. Right or wrong, you don't win converts that way.

[@kailaleegibbons6143]

I agree with most of what you are saying here and appreciate the respectful dialogue. If you are genuinely interested, there's a few logical flaws I'd like to point out here: the environmental impact does come from small family farms too, and sometimes at greater cost. Unfortunately, the better care you give farm animals, the more food, water and land sources are required to produce the meat. As it stands, animal ag already covers 45% of the US, between grazing land and the crops grown to feed them. Most livestock does in fact eat corn, soy and other grains that could be consumed by humans. Even in the case of a grazing cow that only eats grass, this leads to land erosion and desertification. Ultimately I agree with you on the fact that we need to focus on convincing people to minimize meat, but I also think more people than you realize would actually go vegan if they understood the full consequences of animal agriculture. For what it's worth, I apologize for whatever hateful things vegans may have said to you, and ask in return that you understand that I deal with food related judgement daily based on non-factual ridicule. Side note: I don't eat salad, and you don't need to eat salad to be vegan or healthy ;) there's way more tasty options out there

[@mirandasmenagerie5395]

I'm a vegan and I get uncomfortable when people (or myself) mentions it because I've been bullied for it but I'm working on normalizing these conversations for both myself and others.

[@armywife2248]

Let me know when you have been screamed at and called a murderer because you ate a chicken sandwich.

[@Goodthoughtlol]

Still vegan??

[@btudrus]

Are you vegan! You are guilty of many small animals like insects and birds dying then. The only way how to save the climate and the nature is to eat the meat only!!!

[@andrewevanyshyn1709]

Sorry G, wont cut it

[@tobbs5410]

You deserved to be bullied for it.

[@jacobroberts450]

I'm vegan and personally I still think its the optimal diet but I think promoting Reducitarianism would be more effective because when I talk about Veganism everyone gets defensive :( great speech though! :)

[@victornilssonlund6882]

Yes, some people even stop looking you in the eyes after you just answer "yes" to their "are you vegan?" question I've noticed... 😏

[@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094]

Best thing is to encourage them to look at some documentaries. I started off reducing on my own and after learning more, just became vegan naturally because I realized that eating pigs and cows and chicken were no different than eating dogs and cats - farm animals are really smart, loving and beautiful animals

[@tryingalldatime858]

Right - when we think of the animal suffering, it’s hard to stay patient or rational about people not wanting to change, but for the sake of animals, we have to realize a little change is better than none and NOT shame or blame others or else they’ll never change...

[@ALu-nq8rf]

People would be way more open to reducing their meat related carbon footprint if they know that reducing their consumption helps.

[@acquaindigo3296]

still vegan?

[@MsCaseydilla]

Anyone can say they "try" to eat less meat.

[@rescuerhonda0164]

I'm going to 'try' to not abuse children from now on.

[@paulryan5462]

I’m dedicated to it now once I get my vegan protein delivery next week I’ll never eat eggs again I’ve quit everything else

[@ofekalon1810]

I started as a reducitarian and now l am a vegan. You might have discouraged people from their reducitarianism journey and that's a shame..

[@bulatvaliakhmetov]

@@ofekalon1810 hey vegan

[@maenad1231]

@@ofekalon1810there’s also been 3 studies in the past decade (smallish, moderate and very large sample sizes) that I’ve seen showing that people who slowly transition to a vegetarian/vegan diet /lifestyle are less likely to ever quit or go back to meat eating after several years. People who forced themselves to do it more abruptly (thus learn less up front and having to learn more and identify with it more as they go) are the most likely to not stay with it for whatever reason. Whatever those reasons are - long term should be prioritized over the short term)

[@MegaBanne]

I couldn't handle beeing a "reducitarian", so I became strictly vegan :D!

[@CARMEN-xw7ni]

YAS

[@santisouk1924]

+Electro-Cute THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

[@kurtphillips124]

Respect 👊

[@iferlyf8172]

That's great! Though, reducetarianism is a pretty good idea, fifty reducetarians definetly would have a greater impact than one vegan. Also they get one step closer to veganism, and some people need baby steps

[@MegaBanne]

ifer lyf I only get happy when people eat less meat :D

[@hollychandler4307]

Instead of tearing his argument down we should be trying to promote his message. The simple truth is people are not willing to give up their meat completely and us vegans telling them to go cold turkey is simply not working, no matter how many graphic statistics and images we present them with. His proposition provides an alternative that allows exposure to reach our communities and awareness to be spread in a way that is less severe and more relatable to the general public. It is the beginning steps to working towards a better planet

[@btudrus]

The simple truth is that vegan and vegetarian diets are horrible for the health and bad for the climate and for the nature.

[@lisadavies2594]

I am a vegan and I strongly believe this new term can actually be a really positive thing. I have a lot of people in my world who are so in love with eating meat that they get angry at animal rights activists for 'being so extreme' and cringe at the title 'Vegan'. I think if these types of meat addicted humans had a little flexible label for themselves, it could potentially lead joining the vegan movement; if not, well at least they are contributing less. I think that's a win, even though it's not perfect.

[@kaylinworthington]

I like this perspective!

[@tone3560]

Or just eat what you like and dont worry about others

[@maricamaas2326]

@@tone3560As long as one stick to natural, real, unrefined produce. What one likes, is usually what one should be eating; not one fixed diet for all.

[@tone3560]

@@maricamaas2326 All oreos

[@healthamongstus710]

I am vegan too.

[@wannabehighlander]

VEGAN IS NOT A "DRASTIC" LIFESTYLE CHANGE!! IT'S THE EASIEST THING IVE EVER DONE!!!! UGHHHHH

[@r.b.4611]

+wannabehighlander Got to agree with you, it took me about 2 days to go from Veg to Vegan and has not been any trouble to keep. Going Veg took about the same amount of time.

[@AtlantisArch]

+wannabehighlander saying that to him is like speaking in the void. It is (for him) even easier to DENY and FORGET what is unconfortable.

[@Jedhaase]

+wannabehighlander That's why over 80% of vegans actually go back to eating meat... Not everybody is the same. It is hard for most people though because it can be expensive, people find out they're accidentally using animal products anyway, people actually need to use animal products, and a lot of vegans tend to have nutrient deficiencies.

[@BearWindAppleyard]

+wannabehighlander Stop smoking is one of the easiest thing I've ever done. I'm sure everybody is just like me in that regard, it's not like you see a lot of smokers who has a hard time quitting do you? The reason for that is because all humans are the same and what you find it easy to do, everybody must find it easy to do. People are actually just clones.

[@hannalor333]

+wannabehighlander I'm vegan too and it wasn't difficult, but for others it might be

[@ohdeniseluciani]

I think he's right. He's not saying 'if you're vegan you're wrong', he's saying 'if you're vegan/vegetarian that's amazing but not everyone will adapt to that lifestyle so why don't why try to tell those who still eat meat to try something that keeps them in their comfort zone and still help the animals, the planet and their health'. I would be a perfect world if every single person was a vegan, but there's a long way to go until that. For now, if everyone becomes a reducetarian, it will be a giant step.

[@olivia4394]

I get what you are saying but then people will get hooked on that idea and think it is okay to eat meat once and a while so it could go both ways unfortunately.

[@RosesAndIvy]

+Denise Luciani Finally a rational comment! It's just not realistic to expect everyone to eat vegan.

[@thalassafischer5211]

Because he's trying to sell books and other crap based on the faulty premise that telling Americans not to be such fucking fat pigs who eat more meat than the entire goddamned world is a "philosophy." It's like...dude, you are a douchebag.

[@valken666]

Vegans attack reducetarians way more than massive meat eaters. Makes no sense.

[@Monai3ficent]

It seems like everyone is choosing taste over life, their health and the environment. How can people “ stay in their Comfort zone” when this action is creating a negative impact? This practice is something us humans need no part in. All it causes is cardiovascular disease, heart cancer.. and so on. We don’t need to kill an animal for something that has no benefit to us.

[@snorky4154]

Proud of being vegan

[@btudrus]

Proud of destroying the nature and the planet (and your own health)? Ridiculous...

[@snorky4154]

Thats my question to you ;D

[@charlescarmichael56]

@@btudrus sorry man but even avid defenders of animal agriculture recognize that animal agriculture is destroying the planet. this industry is the main cause of deforestation, species extinction, ocean pollution and dead zones, land desertification, and it is also one of the main causes of global warming. EATING ANIMALS IS DESTROYING THE PLANET. There is no ambivalence to this statement. It is a simple, undeniable fact. You want to help the environment? go vegan. Help animals? go vegan. You want to be healthy? go vegan.

[@anilkr1093]

Plants are living beings .they too can feel pain

[@the1exnay]

it saddens me to see the top 3 comments being vegans/vegetarians basically saying you should either eat no meat or you are a bad person, which makes people want to shut down and not even consider trying to eat less meat which is stupid and they should stop it. just cause you found it easy doesnt mean it is easy for everypony

[@Ella-vl4ht]

+Firaro the fact that you used "everypony" in that makes me cringe and completely disregard your comment

[@victornilssonlund6882]

What is so hard about it? Yea you won't be able to go to all the restaurants you used to, you won't be able to eat grandmas home mad cookies, you won't buy another double cheese burger at McD's. But there are other restaurants to try out, other cookies that grandma can make you and other burgers to eat. It's not really hard to order a bean burger instead of a meat burger, or a buy soy hot dogs instead of meat hot dogs. I don't think people who eat meat are bad persons, but it's pretty stupid to eat meat. And with all the negative stuff meat brings along with it to the dinner table, you can't argue against that. I see most people as poteintal and future vegans, as most people already love animals, so they are already vegans in their hearts. ✌💚

[@victornilssonlund6882]

If you don't know the negative stuff meat brings along with it to the dinner table, read the comment bellow! ⤵

[@Gee-xb7rt]

+Firaro I don't think you are a bad person, a slothful, greedy, selfish idiot, yes. bad, eh.

[@the1exnay]

@109148943736261131552 wish that sort of comment could be the one on the top. though not very understanding it is better than the ones i saw

[@magsuny87]

My vegan-self want to shout that we must all stop eating meat right now at this moment! But I am actually happy to share this. If this movie will make people eat less meat it's perhaps better than a provegan that makes people do nothing else but fear and hate vegans. :)

[@ChrisLose]

Summary: here is the bare minimum you can do to pretend you’re making an impact without making your friends uncomfortable.

[@vladimirkolar9623]

Trying to do the best he can. Without sacrificing anything.

[@ChrisLose]

@@vladimirkolar9623 It's the bare minimum.

[@Gremlin-ADHD]

As a vegan myself, I am very happy to have seen this video. This man absolutely understands what it's about. It's not a competition, and every little step towards less meat counts

[@tiatan2514]

Yeahhh, but I don’t get why he isn’t vegan. It sounds like he definitely has the money and resources to. I get people who get food from food assistant programs, etc. and don’t have the money and resources to. Yes we all can make a difference and we should know that, but he still talks about us as if we are separate groups I think “being” a “reducitarian” is a good step. But if someone can definitely become vegan, then we shouldn’t be allowing them to lower their standards. that’s just damaging

[@vijayrahinj6948]

Yes..

[@rachelgoodkind6545]

It has to start somewhere. One step at a time, from a 25+ year whole food ethical vegan.

[@VoidDilation]

I don't get the dislikes, this video made me think about eating less meat isn't that good? He stated the problem and is suggesting a step towards a solution.....

[@god8020]

Did you?

[@VoidDilation]

@@god8020 did I what O Almighty?

[@god8020]

@@VoidDilation Did you eat less meat eventually?

[@VoidDilation]

@@god8020 Sorta-Kida

[@btudrus]

No, eating less meat is a horrible idea. It will destroy the planet and make people sick. The only one who will profit are the fertilizers-, pesticides-, food and pharma- industries...

[@pnib4674]

I am a vegan. I am raising my daughter as a vegan. I believe strongly in living with integrity, especially when it matters most. So yes, I believe that abstaining from doing harm when it is in our control is imperative. For me being a vegan is about a lot more than compassion for animals, it is about kindness and compassion for all living beings, and respect and conscious living for all that makes up the ecosystems of our planet and beyond. It is about making this world a more peaceful and loving place, starting with making myself a more peaceful and loving person. That said, who amongst you is perfect and able to live 100% according to your values? I know that I screw up often, yelling and using angry hurtful words, using non-vegan conditioner when my daughter and I had lice, consuming more food than I need to survive, eating with omnivores at omnivore restaurants just to maintain friendships and get the occasional break from cooking, letting the shower run when I occasionally shave my legs, etc. I will not critisize or insult a method, such as this 'reducetarian' idea if it brings about positive change. The bottom line is that we as vegans are a tiny percentage of the population, making a tiny drop in the bucket towards making this world a healthier, better, more peaceful place. Is this 'reducetarian' idea going to help a larger number of people make a greater number of kind choices? If it does then it is worth its weight in gold, and that is all I care about. When I became an ovo-lacto vegetarian it was only then that the seed of true awakening to our deep interconnectedness began sprouting and blooming. Often, I believe, as it was with me, once we begin making more conscious decisions the more we start to inquire deeply and the more our compassion and compassionate actions grow. I was a meat eating omnivore, then I became an ovo-lacto vegetarian, and now I am a devout vegan and very happy to be so. Insulting myself and belittling myself for my past actions is of absolutely no benefit to anyone. Encouraging everyone for each one of their more conscious acts no matter how small, without condescension, and with true compassion for their process, I believe, is of infinite value. So, I applaud Brian Kateman for putting in the time and energy ( more than most of us do ), to try something new, in the hopes of making this world a better place! I hope it helps plant the seeds of change in some of the 95 % of the world population still consuming large quantities of animal products, which is incidentally directly proportional to the degree of animal suffering in the world. One last remark: please don't fool yourself into thinking that the violence you experience in your extreme anger towards people you deem as the perpetrators of the injustices of the world is so different from the violence they participate in through their mostly unconscious choices. Any attitude of 'us versus them' is limiting, unhelpful, and leads to violent attitudes and violence. :) Good luck to all of us!

[@bnnyrabbit]

+Pni B Very nicely put!

[@JH-zs3bs]

+Pni B About the smartest comment in here! And i can state this very clear, because i am a Intelligencian, meaning one of the rare 5 % of world population actually using their Intelligence. And no im not just kiding around. This IS one of the smartest Comments down here

[@pnib4674]

+J Mabruk lol :) Thanks

[@JH-zs3bs]

Your welcome dude ;)

[@samuelcampos4289]

your daughter is so lucky!!!!!

[@Huntracony]

You're not a carnivore, that'd mean you only eat meat. You're an omnivore.

[@loh.22]

Thank you! I'm assuming anyone who knows definitions found that statement odd.

[@LaurenJewel]

+lohe321 same here

[@Huntracony]

***** I did

[@gung2800]

This is great, and of course any positive change is good change, but at the end of the day, it isn't as hard as people make it out, to go fully vegan. I used to eat nothing but fried chicken, bacon, burgers and chips until the age of 16. I went vegetarian and then vegan and by this point, I eat EVERY fruit and EVERY vegetable. Its all about fear and perception. Just TRY to eliminate meat and/or animal products and realise how easy it actually is.

[@lyss1656]

Saying to people, that they should eat less meat wont change more than saying that they should go vegan. "Less" is not defined. Less can still be daily 15 times instead of 16. Of they think they eat less, but in reality they don't. The meat and dairy industry are manipulating people to buy their products. They even spray meat so it's red instead of grey, that it looks better. Eating meat and dairy is an addiction for many people and you can only stop that addiction by stopping to eat that at all. For that it just needs a good reason and that you will see in movies like earthlings.

[@DocRunaway]

Fallacy. Prove that it's all because of brainwashing and not because everybody knows that meat and diary taste great. Which is why even vegans love fake meat and fake cheese. Then prove it's an addiction. I've seen Earthlings twice and Cowspiracy once and still east meat. I;m one of those guys who still decides by themselves and not according to what youtube or documentary filmmakers say.

[@lyss1656]

DocRunaway I've no money for my own study yet. But you can read everything about hypnosis, mind control and autosuggestion. This explains how advertisements work and this explains also why its brainwashing. Easy explanation why (need to learn more about that to understand fully: Most people are exhaust after work and TV is relaxation. So your brain goes in the alpha state. Normally you are on the beta state. In the alpha state you don't think about whats right or wrong, so it goes into your subconsciousness. It may not affect you, when you hear it once or twice in this state. But it affects you when you hear it many times and tv works like that. You don't hear a advertisement once .. and they also have not many different once. You hear 1 advertisement at least a few times everyday, for months. Thats what manipulates you. And since most ads are about meat, dairy, sweets, make up and medicaments .. it's not so good to follow it all. Because the medicaments are only for that lifestyle what the TV suggests you. Hard to make it short.. you should research for yourself. You will find a lot interesting things! So it's proven that TV manipulates you, but nobody made a study about meat and dairy - this may be because if TV/Media manipulates you, it doesn't matter it's meat, make up or a car. It also doesn't matter if you buy this car. They just want you to get in the mood having it and feeling good with it. So weak people will say "i don't like my family" in their mind. And then there is an advertisement with a family on a table with meat and they are so happy like its a perfect life. This slowly comes in the subconsciousness.. and you wont realize this. With kids its easier. Till they are 6 they are more open, because they are more in the alpha state.

[@DocRunaway]

Lyss No, that just explains how hypnosis works. Stating that people eat meat only because of advertising is your fallacy. There are like a bunch of centuries (if not millennia) when people ate meat and it was long before advertising was even created. But let's say that maybe people in the last 100 years started trying meat (just an hypothesis) because of advertising. But they kept doing it because they liked it.

[@highcarbschwabe658]

What is the message here? I had an eating disorder (binging) and used to eat BBQ about 5 times a week. Became fat and sick. Educated myself about food. Result: There is no alternative to veganism. I would have loved to learn that something like paleo could be a good idea but it is not. Result: Went on a low fat whole food vegan diet in 10/2013, lost ~70lbs and almost all my health problems and became very fit. Never looked back. If a hoggish guy like me can do that, everyone can. The question is: Do we want to learn and improve ourselves? Yes or no? What is proposed here ('reducitarians') is that we should attempt to make a difference without making a difference. Since attitudes are the keys to behavior, that is not going to work. You have to update your attitudes.

[@Emma-vb8gg]

Danny vuong With a plant-based low fat diet, your body will lose fat until you find a happy medium. My dad has lost a 14kg after one month plant-based.

[@highcarbschwabe658]

Danny vuong Yes, my weight has been stable for almost 2 years now.

[@highcarbschwabe658]

Danny vuong Yes, I got rid of all almost my health issues, including chronic back pain, hypertension and insulin resistance. Life is great if you are no longer sick all the time!

[@Emma-vb8gg]

Danny vuong Yes! He's not suffering with his joints as much as he did, and this is only after a month. We've also gradually cured liver sclerosis in our jack russell on a vegan diet, giving her plenty of exercise. She's doing really well now. We all grow our own vegetables as well, so we get a lot more enjoyment out of the food we eat because of that. I hope that, should you go vegan, you feel a lot better in yourself too! :)

[@Emma-vb8gg]

Ah well done! I think because you tend to focus on nutrient dense foods for calories, it does give more energy for exercise. If you're plant-based vegan, make sure you keep those calories up though - that's the difficult bit!

[@ShynyMagikarp]

As a vegan I'm a little disgusted with my fellow vegan commenters. I wish everyone would just drop eating animal products and using them altogether. It hurts my heart when I see someone drink a glass of milk, eat meat, or carry a leather wallet. That being said, as an INTELLIGENT vegan, I'm not an idiot and I don't slam people when they try to do less. People doing less is a great thing for our planet. It's the first step towards totally cutting those things out of your diet. Gary Yourofsky made the argument, is a murderer any less moral than a person who doesn't murder? Yes. So, is a person who murders 100 people less moral than someone who only murders 10? Even tough both are pretty immoral, I'd still say yes. Especially, if they're making the CONSCIOUS EFFORT to murder less. I will never be totally content until everyone (who can reasonably) is completely vegan, but I cannot complain when I see people trying to do less. It's the first step to a vegan future for this planet.

[@RosesAndIvy]

+Lilz Finally, a rational comment! It's unrealistic to expect everyone to go vegan, but everyone can reduce their animal product consumption.

[@ShynyMagikarp]

+Renate vd Bent it's very rational to expect everyone to go vegan. And it is our wish as vegans that they do so. There is no logical ethical choice besides vegan. What is irrational is to expect everyone to do it INSTANTLY.

[@maureenrevillon4370]

+Lilz I agree with you, the thing is that it makes us boil inside, it hurts and make us wanna throw up to hear a person say "hey ! I'm going on a meat free monday, I am so proud of me it is so good for the planet and my health wow !". Of course it is better than nothing, but, why not to stop harming others, simply ? If a man said to you that he is going to make an I-am-punching-my-wife-in-the-stomach-because-I-can-and-it-makes-me-feel-better free monday, would you encourage him ? Would you want to tell him it is better than beating her everyday ? Or would you feel angry and helpless inside, thinking it is unfair ?

[@ShynyMagikarp]

+Maureen Revillon D'apreval I'm a vegan too by the way.. So don't talk to me like I'm not. The fact is no it doesn't make me happy. But the reducetarian idea this guy is suggesting is not, reduce and then. His plan and what e suggests, is reduce reduce, than reduce more until you are inevitably a vegan basically. So there's nothing wrong with the plan. And yeah, while I'd be more content with people switching instantly. You're not being realistic at all. In fact, many people by switching to veganism quickly can theow their bodies in a big swing of change and get sick, and it puts them off to ever trying the idea again. Most people transition slowly. It's a normal way of doing things. Yeah, I applaud people for doigg meatless mondays for sure, as long they promise to continue to reduce. My parent's this past week JUST started meatless weekends, and I gave them tons of supprt, not a slap on the knuckles and a harsh talking to about their health risks. I'm not an ass lol

[@maureenrevillon4370]

Lilz I clearly understood you were a vegan I spoke in the name of vegan people that "disgust" you to explain how we feel and why these reactions, no need to be condescending telling "don't talk to me like that or that". I admire you by the way, I would love to feel more comfortable like you do towards people who claim that reducing is sooooo good, you are a strong and comprehensive person. Of course I have NEVER and would never slam someone who is trying to reduce in order to stop, there is a huge difference between this and reduce just a little the suffering they're causing and that's it, and feeling better about it. And I prefer a thousand time seeing 10 people starting at their rythm to become vegan than one people going vegan in one shot. And thank you to have enlighten me I did'nt understand that the guy in the video advocated the reducing to the total stop, I didn't watch all the video and got drawn in the comments ahah Aaaaand to finish I, my girlfriend and family have stopped eating meat and dairy and eggs from one day to another, I mean it did'nt take more than a week... Of course it is a total new way of life and it asks time but if you don't want to harm others it shouldn't take months or years, even if, once again, it would be better than no change at all.

[@goatsofoats1734]

Plant based diet is the word I believe you're looking for 😉

[@majaabrahamsen9367]

Exactly. Veganism is about minimizing suffering, and reducetarian is about diet. Veganism isn’t even about the environment or health

[@jazlynroy3778]

@@majaabrahamsen9367 There are many reasons someone may go vegan. For me the initial trigger to go vegan was footage of factory farming. After seeing that I researched more into veganism for my health then the environment. Vegans do care about all three, but some may care more about different reasons than others.

[@Ram-hb1rm]

@@majaabrahamsen9367 Veganism absolutely is also about the environment and health. Compassion towards animals stems from self-compassion (Or the other way around too, perhaps?). Self-compassion cultivates self-love and regains sensitivity towards any form of self-harm, helping us to make healthier choices.

[@btudrus]

No one should be eating plants. It's bad for the health, for the planet and for the nature... EAT MEAT, SAVE THE PLANET!

[@A_Different_ViewPoint.]

Yeah.

[@83Anaconda]

There is already a word for that since almost 200 hundred years. And is Omnivorous.

[@joanecavicchi1171]

exactly idk why ppl want to make up new words like, if you eat meat even just "sometimes" you are a omnivore, no need to call urself other ways

[@Redpianoplayer]

The point of the video was to Stop the "Labeling." The bottom line of any controversial argument should be to arrive at a place where everyone AGREES not DISAGREES. There is no Moral Baseline. No matter how much one individual does to reduce their impact in any area of their life there will always be another willing to take it another step further; according to their own driven values and beliefs. Sadly, WE will never all be the same. We are raised in different cultures. But by seeing a problem; and allowing everyone to address it with a term that can be applied easily to every single individual on the planet; we will definitely see progress (i.e. everyone is becoming aware of the ecological issues caused by our lifestyles; especially concerning our food.) It is better for everyone to be on the same page, rather than remain divided and fighting.

[@girlball12]

All or nothing thinking is why many people don't try to begin with. Great message that will hopefully get people to be more aware of their choices and how even little changes can start to have a big impact. If even a few become vegetarians/vegans, this message did its job.

[@isacomr2274]

Vegetarian here going vegan and this guy's approach to making people eat less meat is good. Many vegans are so aggressive about their diet and it just makes carnivores more likely not to go vegan

[@ShynyMagikarp]

The point is not to scare people off. The issue is that people go vegetariana and stay vegetarian. That's not the point. You need to continually reduce. You're a rare thing, honestly. Most people choose vegetarian or vegan and stay that way. The idea is to look at it as linear, just keep reducing, until you've reached as much as you can.

[@htljapanese8049]

*omnivores

[@thalassafischer5211]

Humans are not carnivores.

[@the-persian-km6334]

@@thalassafischer5211 but unfortunately alot of people think they are nowadays

[@ddhqj2023]

@@htljapanese8049 No

[@allisonpilcher4461]

"I'm a carnivore just like you"....wait so this guy ONLY eats meat and no plants?

[@zenamason9256]

My thoughts exactly/

[@Vistamix]

Brian Kateman's terminology may help more people feel supportive of efforts to eat less meat. We need to find ways to increase the number of people who choose to be vegetarian and vegan, 5% is dismal. Thank you, Brian Kateman.

[@mariaangelova8275]

the footprint on the environment from animal farming is actually 51% according to new studies..... the health benefits from being plant-based alone helped me to go whole food plant based overnight and it was the best decision ever!!!

[@maricamaas2326]

New studies... You really believe them?

[@gregorythomas7287]

@@maricamaas2326 Most recent studies I've seen are more like 5% greenhouse gases emitted from farming and 4% for beef. Not to mention that the beef animals are killed quickly and as humanely as possible while the squirrels, hummingbirds, rabbits, deer etc that are killed suffer horrible, slow deaths from poisoning/chemicals. Hmm, not sure how that is better for the animals. However, I'm glad @MariaAngelova is having success with her diet!

[@maricamaas2326]

@@gregorythomas7287 Thank you for the information. Yes, plant agriculture certainly is not kind to small animals, and imagine: The poor plants also have to die so we can eat them 🤗 Would be interesting to know if she is still on the plant based diet, since for many it simply is not possible to maintain.

[@ricArdoperEiraR28]

Awesome talk! Veganism it's a utterly deep process of transformation, meditation and not just a concept or ideal. It starts with reducetarian consciousness for sure. I'm an Earthcore Vegan and an benevolent activist of the urgent. Kindness is serious love!

[@lilmisspeace]

I am in love with this term - "reduce-itarianism"!! I have eaten vegetarian on and off over the years, but with every pregnancy craved meat so deeply I needed to eat it again. Now, I home educate and am teaching my daughter about global warming. We are definately in this category as we are growing our own food and reducing our driving time to walk and will be looking at the impact of meat consumption in the near future! I love this and am so thankful someone is out there working a concept that bridges the gap, so to speak, and unifies people!! Great job!!

[@MarSirian]

I went vegetarian in April and have transitioned to veganism and then primarily raw a month ago. Everyone in my life still eats meat and I’ve inspired them positively by showing them the benefits of even reducing meat and dairy intake. There are so many amazing benefits that go far beyond the basics!!! ✌️

[@Leighalobelia]

love this! i just want to tell all of you that are trying to make better choices- keep trying! keep going! you're doing great. try to eat a vegan meal once in a while. dont stress! make kinder choices :)

[@omgomgomgholyy]

Reducitarian is an okay start on the way to vegetarian, then to veganism, vegansim is being the main goal here

[@tristancollins8789]

I have friends that are vegetarians and vegans. I have a friend that was forced to become vegetarian due to health concerns. (She is missing enzymes to digest whole proteins.) :( But I could not go vegan, nor could some people I know. I have a friend with neurological issues and gets temporal lobe seizures. She is able to function better and think better on a high animal fat/protein diet. ATM, I eat about 2 lbs of meat a week. Most of the rest is veg, then some fruit. I try to avoid most carbs and sugars. When I am broke and cannot afford meat I fall into ruts, my depression seeps in. I often don't even realize it until I have meat again and the life pours back into me. I am all about discovering more sustainable ways to keep livestock. But in terms of diet, there is no one diet for all of us. I support people experimenting and finding the one they function best on.

[@bastnasty7530]

DAEDRADONKEY Sorry if I am misunderstanding you. But are you claiming that veganism is destroying forests? And claiming it is unhealthy to not eat meat?

[@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094]

Tristan Collins you should look up GOJIMAN on youtube and contact him. Sounds like you have a gut problem which might be linked to your depression. He might be able to walk you through your dietary problem. I used to think i HAD to have meat for different reasons, but now i'm healthier than ever because I became vegan.

[@dostthouevenlogicbrethren1739]

Veganism is neither sustainable for the entire population, nor for the environment.

[@tridoshic1688]

@@dostthouevenlogicbrethren1739 said the dumbest person ever...

[@itsmekatiemars]

I was a vegetarian, mostly vegan for 2 years, and recently I’ve had to eat fish in small amounts once or twice a week, because my health is degrading. It isn’t degrading because of my previous food choices, but because allergies didn’t allow me to eat everything that a vegan would, and my levels of stress kept me from sleeping at night, causing me to be always ill. I have found that eating fish when I crave it (I’m never going back to meat tho) is the healthiest choice for my body at the moment, and to regain my health. I like this TedTalk because I used to cry every time I ate fish, I felt wrong and a failure, but not all bodies adapt to the diet, and as I’m still developing as a teen, I have learned that I must give my body what it asks for. It’s not wrong to not be COMPLETLY vegan or vegetarian, it’s not wrong to sometimes have cravings and to, in a controlled manner, give your body what it asks for. I’m a weekday vegetarian, and that in itself causes a huge environmental change for the better. If we can all stop eating meat or reduce it, that is great. But we have to stop shaming people so people like me won’t cry just because their bodies are weak and need a little bit of animal protein in a certain stage of life.

[@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094]

very sorry about your experience - did you consider contacting gojiman? I believe that he is reaching out to people with special health issues.

[@maricamaas2326]

Maybe look into GAPS diet of Natasha C. McBride. In order to heal from allergies and many other physiological and psychological symptoms, she explains how to get your gut healed.

[@theorodrigues2267]

Meat 'satisfies a primal urge'? Uh, no, it doesn't. No kid goes about looking for meat to eat, it has to be taught and reinforced by parents or guardians. Don't believe me? Here's a quick test: put some fresh roadkill on one table and put a bowl of grapes or an apple on another table, and have a hungry kid come in. Watch which table the kid eats from.

[@haileynstuff]

Theo Rodriguês THANK YOU

[@OrangeHealia]

Theo Rodriguês exactly... canisim is forced on kids like organized religions... I understand if humans would die on vegan diet but WE THRIVE ON VEGAN DIET so why still consume that toxic animal products, cause such suffering and destroy our planet and ourselves is a mystery... nothing has changed because CORPORATIONS are still brainwashing people with their dangerous for people and planet propaganda! And sorry vegans are SUPERIOR to the rest of people because they do NOT KILL ANYONE to survive... 2500 people die DAILY in USA from deadly diseases related to animal product consumption and we keep on this meat ' dairy industries propaganda?! zzzzzzzz....

[@dadeskr]

Theo Rodriguês so if I put some brussel sprouts on one table and some chicken nuggets on the other does that mean that I can conclude that meat is a primal urge when the kids go for the nuggets, because most of them will.

[@theorodrigues2267]

dadeskr The difference is chicken nuggets are man made, post-consumer products designed in a lab to taste extremely good. By doing that you've rigged the game. Any true carnivore or omnivore would be as enticed by the smell and taste of roadkill as to the nuggets. That's why in the game it's roadkill v. fruit. It illustrates the differing instincts between carnivores/omnivores and herbivores. So how about next time, you won't be disingenuous and answer honestly, instead of trying to game the rules?

[@dadeskr]

Not all carnivores or omnivores would be enticed by the smell of road kill. Some carnivores, like cheetahs for instance, can only eat freshly killed food. Also humans as omnivores are not the same as other omnivores, we differ in the fact we (generally) cook our meat and have been doing so for thousands of years (it therefore doesn't mean that we aren't omnivores because a child wouldn't be enticed by the smell of raw meat... was that meat cooked the child may well be enticed). Avoidance is of roadkill isn't necessarily an avoidance of meat but rather an avoidance of whatever disease might be present in old, raw meat...of course it is instinctive for us to avoid this, we don't have the digestive system or immune system to cope with eating rotting meat. Also, don't be a hypocrit, you rigged the game from the start by choosing a tasty fruit vs a disguisting version of meat (my response was just turning what you did around picking a disgusting veg and a tasty meat (though I personally don't like nuggets I know a lot of people do)). If the two food were of the same level of taste, say some plain cooked chicken or some green beans then I don't think there is any gaurantee what the child would pick. Finally saying children aren't naturally omnivorous because they don't eat road kill when they come across it is like saying they aren't omnivorous because they don't naturally eat pine needles, omnivory involves eating a mix of meats, fruits, veg etc if someone avoids one item of that it doesn't make them not an omnivore.

[@StayHome4Them]

This is amazing... It may just be a first step but it is a step! Thank you for sharing this with the world

[@Ailinion]

I agree that is much better to eat less meat than to not make changes at all. A lot of my friends eat less meat a even eat in vegetarian restaurants quite often since they know me and it is great. But I don't agree that a lot of vegeterians eat sometimes meat. Like what the hell? I had no meat for ten years and I am not going to start anytime soon.

[@notMattGarska]

Everyone just needs to CARE about the people, animals and the planet around them. Everything else will come from that.

[@MsEmotikat]

Its 51% of greenhouse gas, not 20%. Get your facts straight.

[@JonathanVaillancourtOuellette]

He said carnivore when he actually meant omnivore; carivores ONLY eat meat...

[@goodbyecommunists1335]

Yes you're being logical! Omnivores as humans are HEALTHY. And you're using the REAL definitions of words and correct vocabulary terms. I wish we would all do that.

[@kynikoi_6867]

@@goodbyecommunists1335 hmm you can be healthy as you want, but you might be thinking with your stomach as oppose to your brain.

[@TheLorischindler]

I didn't eat meat for over 20 years and now I'm a reducitarian. I think this speech was a really good message to a very complicated situation. Bravo!

[@redpillpusher]

Lori Schindler ..doesn’t make sense if you’ve already proven that you can thrive off a fully plant lifestyle why would you re-introduce dead animal flesh that the preponderance of scientific evidence says will [significantly] increase your risk of cancer and arterial disease. sure you could limit your animal intake to the point of mitigating some of that risk but thats like saying I’m just going to take small amounts of poison that won’t kill me even when I don’t need to. I wonder what your motivation was for excluding it for 20yrs was and what internal compromise you made to include it again.

[@TheLorischindler]

This is exactly why I don’t usually engage in these conversations online with strangers. There are reasons you wouldn’t understand because your not me so I will politely say... non of you business.

[@Relesy]

I see nothing wrong with reducing first, or even going vegetarian first. But FIRST. I knew I wanted to go vegan, but I reduced first, then I went veggie, then I went vegan, but I was working towards it the whole time and I cooked vegan food a lot as a vegetarian. I hope more people realize that reduction is just not enough. For the planet, but especially the animals. But I do respect the effort to reduce.

[@Riggzilla]

I eat less meat but I don't know why we have to put a label on every single thing

[@parnianx]

Between having non vegan people shrugging shoulders and not participating in making a change, or them putting in the effort to try and be more conscious with their choices, I choose the latter. The ideal is dreamy, but is not achievable over night. Some people aren't as determined as you my vegan friends, to suddenly go vegan by watching a 5 min video on animal cruelty. Good on you if you did. It's a choice between realistic baby steps for the non-vegan, or us slamming all people who don't see things right. The first is gonna make a difference, however small. The last one is gonna make those offensive whose life choices matter to our planet, and not make any difference with the situation. Forgive me for thinking little is better than nothing. I think dude is right. I'm a vegan, he is not. Such a shame. All good. At least he's admitting he has moral challenges over this, and he's eventually gonna do something about it. That's where all vegans started making the change in the first place. p.s. What else would the ones who disagree suggest? Should we slap everyone in the face who want to take baby steps for now and tell them you either go vegan or you go away? I promise, that doesn't make things better.

[@elliotgreen9642]

Parnian preach

[@parnianx]

DAEDRADONKEY farming?! for vegan food right?! You obviously have zero knowledge about how land is used by livestock production and how it compares to vegetables and crops. I wouldn't embarrass myself commenting on things I don't know about if I were you. Vegans save hundreds of animals a year by avoiding meat and animal products. A simple fact. Get over it.

[@minnowknight6570]

Parnian ok let's think this through for just half moment, what would happen if every single person were to go vegan. Millions of farmers and ranchers would be out of their jobs and their families would have no means to survive, and secondly millions of animals would be just let loose into an environment where they have no natural predator. As an example look at Texas and the souths wild hog problem which causes many devastation's to the environment. As far as I am concerned I have yet to come across a decent plan after the so called "awakening". Also lets get truly honest with ourselves brutal, violent death is just the natural course for many animals, it's just the circle of life.

[@parnianx]

MinnowKnight I don't disagree with the problems that stopping animal farms are going to make with unemployments. However I would argue that the billions that are annually being spent on treating conditions that are caused directly by the consumption of red meat and fatty animal products will no longer be necessary, and could be used to create jobs or just end up filling holes in the budget instead, and there could be farming opportunities for those farmers as well, planting crops that are easier to maintain and cost much less, since they require much less water, less land, produce less waste and have much lower costs than running a chicken or a beef farm. And the closing of the animal farms isn't going to happen overnight. As demand goes down, so will the number of animals bred. The too many cows out there and no predator situation isn't going to happen since there will not be any they would have to set free out in the wild. It's ironic that you have to bring up environmental concerns in defending the cycle of meat consumption; A google search can tell you about the environmental destructions caused by the meat, egg and dairy industry. If every American drops one chicken meal a week from their diet, it equals to saving the CO2 production of 500,000 cars a year. That's only a meal of chicken! 1 calorie from animal protein requires 11 times as much fossil fuel as 1 calorie of plant protein. Nearly half of all clean water used in America goes to raising animals for food. Numbers are so impressive. It takes more than 24,000 gallons of water to produce 1 lb. of meat, while it takes 25 gallons for 1 lb. of wheat. Animals raised for food create 89,000 pounds of excrement per second in America, non of which benefits from the waste treatment human excrement does. That all creates massive amount of water pollution. The list goes on. And I do disagree with what we do to raising animals for food. being part of the 'circle of life'. Artificially breeding them for meat, raping them for milk, killing the males while keeping and impregnating females on such massive scales, nothing about that is natural and can be compared to what happens out there in the wild life. But that's my opinion, my choice, my decision. I don't want to turn you or anybody vegan, but you can't deny the benefits veganism brings to our health, our people, our environment, and the animals :) (sorry that this turned out so long)

[@valken666]

What the Health, Cowspiracy, etc were possibly the worst thing that could happen to veganism. These documentaries convert many people, yes. But then they put their supervegan capes and go around chastising people. They're young and were vegan for 1 month to 1 year, and think they know everything about the world. Normal vegans call them 'egovegan', for their huge egos. Learn a little about the vegan movement and you'll see 'egovegans' have hijacked and sabotaged the movement time and time again since it's beginning.

[@NidzShah-ps6kr]

He put his entire argument so well, kept me interested right till the end :)

[@Blacktoe]

So he explains the "Go Vegan or you're a monster" method of recruitment isn't working to increase the number of vegans. Yet many of these comments seem to have missed that crucial point. Calm down, folks. You're not helping your own cause.

[@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094]

have you personally educated yourself on what has to happen to baby male chicks for you to eat eggs for example? Please watch DOMINION on youtube. Education is the key - and the prejudice that "if everyone does it then it cannot be wrong" is what turns common folks into "monsters"

[@armywife2248]

Blacktoe...it will never change.

[@katmateo9492]

So inspiring to watch! Definitely a new movement that can gain significant traction since it is more flexible and can fit most people's needs!

[@Raiken3712]

***** I don't agree that animal products are not required for optimal health. People do not require animal products to live, but they are required for optimal health. From everything I have read about how hormones are made and what nutrients we need it just doesn't make good logical sense that humans in a natural environment could even get close to having enough of all required nutrients including fats especially for optimal hormones and brain growth without animal products. With the help of unnatural means we may be able to scrounge up most of the nutrients, but not all in their ideal and optimal amounts. Look up Nora Gedgaudus The 'Holy Grail' of Primal health video on KZbin. There are several kinds of Herbivores or animals that eat almost exclusively plants and all of them have digestive systems that convert a large majority of the plant matter into a short chain fatty acids thus providing them with ample resources to build hormones, cell membranes, the brain etc..all things that need plenty of fat. If you feed a human all the plants that vegans eat with no animal products you end up with some conversion to short chain fatty acids, but no where near the requirement needed to produce all the things we need as humans for optimal health. Much of the energy gained is gained from carbohydrates instead of from fats as in something like a cow or giraffe. I just looked through the video and realized thats the wrong one for the % of energy that comes from fat/carbs in herbivores...its somewhere on KZbin. second opinions animals high-fat search that and you'll get an article showing the numbers. I'm gonna try to find the video I originally wanted.

[@WorldOfARandomVegan]

Jonathan Swaringen This is just not true. The plant-based advocates who are doctors are in amazing shape in their 80s, not taking any drugs like the rest of society that consumes the standard American diet. They can run marathons, bike for miles...they are living, breathing and walking proof that humans can thrive on a plant based diet.

[@Raiken3712]

WorldOfRandomStuff People have thrived on Paleo type diets as well. Many people getting into the 80-100+ range while eating Fish, Meats, Vegetables and such. Perhaps they ate mainly plants and would have been even better without the meat and fish...I don't buy it, but regardless I'm not interested in trying. Nature is far more cruel than humans eating meat. Naturally animals of various types play with their food...its not fun to be an animal caught by types of cats. Life is filled with pains regardless of what type of animal you are. I don't feel the need to only eat plants because life isn't perfect thats just the way it is. Its not an ethical dilemma for me. At least the animals don't have to worry about me torturing/playing with them before I eat. I'm sure I won't convince you of anything so good luck with your way of life. I have yet to have anyone explain the fact that all animals besides us run on fats from conversion or directly, but humans don't if we eat large amounts of carbohydrates. The only logical thing I can think of is that somehow humans generate fat from plants much more efficiently than apes, cows, etc without the extremely large fermentation vat type intestinal systems they have...but I haven't read any research or anything that would make that make sense.

[@chriswatson7488]

You seem to forget that Vegans are Vegan for the animals, its all about ethics.

[@remus100776]

+Chris Watson pigs, cows, bees,etc will go extinct if we stop growing them. So no, you are not about animals.

[@chriswatson7488]

remus100776 How dumb do you sound, as Pigs and Cows have actually been bred for human consumption. Yes they may die out as a breed, but they're breeds that doesn't exist naturally. Also - you don't "grow" animals.

[@remus100776]

Actually they have been domesticated and bred for human consuption. I don't know if they can make it into the wild. Let's assume that from today will all go vegans. What are the chances for those animals to survive? Is just a question that i ask myself.

[@craftchild_9151]

+remus100776 There are still to this day domestic breeds that turned "wild". Pigs on one hand used to be a problem in tschadchikistan because the would during especialy hard time eat pets and unwatched children. Don't forget that they are omnivores too biologicaly. And are nothing but "wild" dogs. I'm pretty sure a german shepard would have better chances than a pug, but hey who knows right? Our domesticated breeds have actually been crossbread for consumtion. A especially large bull or pig sort would have a problem fiting in with nature because a) they have unnatural colouring or next to no fur and b) they have born heart problem and other diseases caused be inbreeding. You're both right. Congrats, now can we convince others to stop fighting? :D Commentssection seems like a civil war at this piont. :)

[@remus100776]

Helena Berthiaume :))

[@ruchitafotedar]

I have been trying to reduce my consumption since I moved away from home( from 4 times a week to once in 4 months). My ancestors lived in crazy cold mountain regions and hence were very much dependent on meat consumption, after 40+ years of meat diet it is a bit difficult for them to adjust to more vegetarian diet in city but I am motivating them. Thank you for the positivity, people are trying and your words help!

[@rosebw1077]

Thank you I’m a vegan and I really appreciate your point of view, thank you so much for sharing this

[@junglejarred6366]

As a vegan I thank you for this message even though I can never comprehend the continuing of eating flesh when presented with an alternative. I just don't get it but thank you because it will help

[@animalshaverights127]

because people are selfish bastards

[@parkeraverage1900]

Still can’t argue that the best we can do (in the case you have access, I’m understanding of people who are not capable of just going to a store cause no one should starve lol) is to be vegan. Best for yourself. Best for the animals. Best for the planet. I have interacted with many people who reduce, but I still see them struggle with their choices when I, a vegan, am around. I do nothing say nothing, but they still struggle. Why struggle? Just do what you know you should do!

[@Sina-wi5dg]

Thank your Brian for sharing your very precious thougts. As a somehow mostly vegetarian, vegan but still eating meat at rare occasions person I came along the same problems as you are describing.

[@kendallstark4302]

I've been actively eating less meat of all types for quite a few years now. I make about 3-4 vegetarian and even vegan meals per week. My husband makes mostly meat/chicken/fish dishes when it's his turn to cook, but I think we have struck a decent enough balance. Thanks for this talk.

[@Comicality]

17:11 MAKING A LOT OF ANIMALS HAPPY???? WTTFFFF

[@matthewh.6041]

lol...right. "oh thank you human for not eating me! i'm so happy now!"

[@abingalvin963]

meat eating is an addiction. reducetarian method could possibly be the best method to change the world inch by inch in the next 100 years. im vegan and philosophies and bullshit aside this method is quite optimal.

[@NikOwnzByaches]

Why the dislikes? This was a well constructed and well performed presentation! Seriously

[@vinregret]

I started as a reducetarian and after a while naturally became fully vegan. Haven't turned back since :)

[@ZeProfezional]

It's good that he draws attention to the problem, but to just try doesn't get you anywhere. Just because Im trying to not beat my kids doesn't make me a good parent.

[@amitpaltagore1931]

Since I come from an animal rights view, I disagree with the guy. But I understand his logic. The problem I have is that reducetarianism may make people feel as if they're doing something significant for the environment when they may not be. It would be nice to see numbers (maybe equiv. CO2 emissions) for people eating on different places on the spectrum. Still, strive to be vegan!

[@jordanbrown3887]

Brian Kateman is going to change the world for the better with this philosophy. I have been completely vegan for 10 months and I continue to do so. I love the idea of just having people scale back on meat consumption, anything we can do to help to the environment is a move towards a better future. Everyone doesn’t have to be vegan to make a change, but everyone can choose to become a “reducitarian” ❤️ Much love ❤️

[@paulkohl9267]

His voice painfully grates on my soul.

[@EvolvedApe]

you dont have to go 100% to make a difference. i still eat some fresh local fish and free range local chicken. my diet is 80% vegetarian and 20% fish and chicken. i simply completely cut out cattle and pork completely. no milk or cheese, but i do eat yogurt. so my point is, if we just cut out red meat and pork, we can help. i also dont eat any processed meats, or any processed food at all.

[@Gee-xb7rt]

+Jason Gregg there are vegan yogurts out there. science has proven all kinds of crap given to cows passes directly to you through milk -- hormones, antibiotics, etc. for me it just got to the point where its easier to be vegan. im even making seitan right now while trolling this vlog! yay!

[@TheCunningReview]

Il tell you one thing. If you were thinking about becoming a vegan, dont look through these comments. I am appalled about how ugly some of these vegans are being. This man is helping people get the idea to atleast lowering their meat intake. It's a start.

[@piiinkDeluxe]

If a simple comment puts you off your idea of going vegan, that idea was not very strong in the first place.

[@DocRunaway]

Vegans themselves are the second most important reason I will never become one.

[@Sweet-dj4gk]

Unfortunately many vegans are so holier-than-thou it actually accomplishes the opposite of what they want. If those people had any sense they'd know they turn people off to the lifestyle.

[@cassandraward1356]

Jason Cunningham completely agree (I’m vegan) and I believe that anything to do with reducing meat even if it’s only for one meal a week is better than nothing :)

[@dostthouevenlogicbrethren1739]

@@piiinkDeluxe If the lack of awareness to the destruction toward your own cause prevents you from being inclusive and working together, instead of being divisive, and thus damaging your own movement more, is the result of your actions, then you too aren't very committed to them either....and are also much less self-aware than you might think.

[@nettle8605]

I don’t really get it... “Reducitarian”? Like, does there need to be a word for someone who sometimes eat meat and sometimes don’t? I mean, you’re going to have to explain the meaning of the word anyway, so you might as well just say you’re trying to reduce your meat intake. It’s not that deep, fam.

[@claudiamahaffy236]

We need more people like Brian who have open minds and extend kindness rather than judgement towards everyone regardless of their dietary choices. His welcoming and inviting speech is what will change hearts and peoples views on the food they eat, not scare tactics and harsh judgements that many vegans and vegetarians so often use. Everyone be kind to each other and extend a warm hand rather than a cold ego and sense of superiority. Reduce the hate if you're going to reduce the meat intake! We are all equal, we are all human, and we all have the potential to see change in the world if we start by being kind.

[@sambending1141]

How is ordering a smaller steak not going to kill the cow?! Just don't order the steak!

[@MemorySparksJoy]

I think this is a great way to end the battle for moral high ground. I'm mostly vegan.... The comments I see from vegans on this thread make me so angry. You're hurting your cause, whereas this approach is aimed at positive reinforcement. I'd I was a meat eater...many of your comments would make me want to flip you the bird and then go eat one. #unity #IAmAReducetarian

[@curlyfryactual]

micky vegan he's talking about you, lmao. He literally ended it with "reducetarian" to get the point across that your type is deluded.

[@2cool4lizy]

the guy in the video literally talked about this. you could say 'im mostly-vegetarian' but it still leaves something to be desired,thats the whole point of calling yourself a reducetarian. you are by definition not a vegan or vegetarian if you still eat meat,nothing wrong with that but just call yourself what you are,a reducetarian,that simple.

[@dreamsaresharedhere_]

You can’t be “mostly” vegan I wouldn’t go around saying such a thing

[@opahmar]

micky vegan boy, you haven't come to India and meet the different types of vegetarians- pure veg, can eat eggs but not chicken, can eat chicken soup but not meat, can eat cake with eggs but not eggs, can eat meat when drinking, cant eat onion or garlic etc etc

[@ashuu3]

@@opahmar In literal term both dairy and meat are not vegetarians foods, It's just a thing we made up.

[@rebeccabaldwin6861]

why yes, labeling your lack of willpower and inability to control yourself, when you know all the cruelty and damage it’s doing, indeed makes you an outstanding individual!!!! what commitment it must’ve taken to come up with a new word, maybe you can demonstrate that in some other aspects of life, especially over something you claim means so much to you.

[@lauraelise5095]

As a vegan, I did not appreciate how he pretended to be vegan and then with a long pause, stated he was not. Makes it seem too extreme and the idea is to make vegan more normalized not isolated.

[@loic.bertrand]

Yes, and then he apologizes to us when he should've apologized to the animals..

[@dwood2001]

The negative comments here are incredibly foolish on multiple levels. Probably the biggest is that they underestimate the human brain's attachment to cravings and addictions, and the correct way to sustainably move away from them. With anything diet-based, or really most aspects of self-improvement, the best strategy is conscious, gradual, and continual self-improvement. When people try to go cold turkey, or make drastic changes, it rarely works. Psychologically it's just a terrible idea. Look at crash dieting for a perfect example. What you need is a consistent cycle of self-assessment, keeping records of your meat consumption, and gradually improving yourself over a period of months or years. This is true of most environmental actions -- people find the amount they have to do completely overwhelming, and too much to focus on. They need gradual improvement and self-assessment, setting goals a small number at a time and gradually making changes they can stick with for the long haul. The comments also ignore the magnitude of the problem. Most people who eat meat see no moral problem with it whatsoever, at least not on a fundamental level. If they want to avoid animal cruelty, they'll just buy from reliable and proven free range sources. They don't care about the killing of the animals themselves -- at most, they'd like it to be done humanely. The issue isn't morality on that side of things -- that aspect of morality is debatable. If you spend your time railing against people who don't share your morality, you might as well be a Christian street preacher. Most people truly aren't losing any sleep over it, and most people will just call you a jerk and then ignore you. The side of morality that isn't debatable is the environmental damage, and when it comes to environmental damage, it IS a matter of scale. If everybody on the planet limited themselves to one portion of meat a week, that would be more than enough (with other changes like electric cars and renewable energy etc.) to completely deal with climate change. The reason to go fully vegetarian or vegan isn't because it's necessary, but because so many people aren't doing anything at all, and so we have to make up for selfish people. I was actually shocked to find out just how much meat the average person consumes. People are clearly not going to give up meat in anything close to the numbers necessary to make even a sizable dent in climate change. A strategy like the one presented in this video will produce FAR greater net reduction in emissions than trying to make people go cold turkey. Take your pick: moral absolutism and automatic failure, or this strategy and a chance at success.

[@remus100776]

+David Wood why bother to educate yourself when you can ask anyone else to educate themselves in a way that suits your purposes? I'm curious how many users take the time to read your comment. Well done.

[@craftchild_9151]

+David Wood Thank you. I've heard other veagans telling people "not eating meat is as simple as not murdering someone" amoungst other bullshit. It is incredibly rude, it is a lie and it is said without regards to people struggeling with criminality for instance.

[@jasamkrafen]

+Helena Berthiaume fuck criminals. eating meat is as simple as not eating meat. it's an action. no one is making you do it. you do it or you don't

[@remus100776]

jasamkrafen see? We are criminals because we eat meat....aren't you lovely? :))

[@jasamkrafen]

Go watch earthlings and tell me that's not criminal! If the stuff in that movie, which is the norm, is not then tell me what is. The difference is most people upon seeing that stuff feel sick or remorseful, and legitimate criminals many of them, if you go to jail and ask them about what they've done, they do not seen to think they did anything wrong even years later, no remorse. Your opinions about animals as food don't count for shit if you don't sit your assess down and see what happens in a slaughter house, go on do it, I dare you, don't look away. Add up the number of animals you possibly have eaten in your life and watch that many killings. Why should anyone care about your opinions if you don't see the reality of the situation. Once I saw it, then I changed, until I saw it, I had all sorts of opinions that weren't worth a damn

[@DavidDiLillo]

Yes!

[@mcdonalbennett6805]

I believe that there are more "reducatarians" than many believe. Whether it's for financial reasons or intuitive eating because of the way it makes them feel.

[@ShalomYal]

I am a high school science teacher and I have been creating and teaching environmental studies classes for 20 years. I have been proposing the 90% rule all this time. (mostly don't do But occasionally its ok) Its not just about meat but about all env. harmful practices. i mostly don't use throw away paper products, or drink bottled water or plastic shopping bags but once in a while I do (90% don't ). I have been teaching - mostly don't, but once in a while do. So I'm mostly a vegetarian - but I occasionally eat fish. This vid. was my version of my 90% rule. this is a buyable message. keep up the good work

[@isaacperalvillaverde1986]

Reducing consumption of meat and other animal products is reducing exploitation and abuse to animals. I would only advocate to eliminate that suffering, and not reduce it

[@lolotroll2]

"I think we can all agree that slavery is bad; but come on, and I supposed to do all my work on my own? That's why I'm for 'savery' - do your own work you don't mind doing but save the difficult stuff for your slave! It's a perfect compromise and it will be easier for people to get behind. Plus we'll reduce our slave footprint!" See how fucking dumb that sounds when you're talking about something that's morally wrong? No half compromises against injustices.

[@iwasborntobefly]

i don't put an animal's life above human life.

[@alegarceau12]

JUAN CHERRY word!

[@mattwilson2568]

JUAN CHERRY Beautiful

[@JonathanLevinTKY]

JUAN CHERRY I agree, but I would also like the other 95% to start thinking about these things.

[@elizabethw5305]

***** I chuckled audibly at "racism-free Tuesdays". Too true.

[@brendee_bee]

Loved it!!!!! Starting reducing can lead to fully eliminate the meat consumption, baby steps can make a huge change at the end, I was a "reducitarian" for years and each year was less and less meat, now I'm vegetarian 😊😊😊

[@stevetennispro]

It's been 5 yrs.. Have you reached the breatharian stage yet. They give out a reward for that one. It's called the Darwin award. ;)

[@rebeccaedwards2106]

Proudly vegan since 2017. I only wish I'd done it years earlier xxx

[@FLintyTim]

All these vegans and vegetarians are hating on this guy, this is a step is the right direction. For a lot of people, this would make an easy transition, plus for the future generation meat wouldn't pushed on them as a necessity to get big and strong. If 500,000 people only ate meat once a week, that is far better then 5000 people going vegan. Arguing with people to persuade them will be met with resistance. If a vegan congratulated a meat eater for reducing their meat consumption instead of shunning them for taking a half measure, the meat eater would feel warm and would be more likely to take the next steps. ALL VEGANS should read 'How to Win Friends and Influence people' if they actually care about making change, instead of acting like elitists.

[@pnib4674]

+joe jerkoff Yes, I agree. Perhaps not all of his ideas were expressed perfectly in his presentation, but yes, I think the crux of the idea may be helpful. True compassion can not be for the animals more than humans, nor vice versa. The truth lies in the realization that we are all part of a deeply interconnected system of being. Compassion requires love and the desire for ALL sentient beings to be free from suffering, inclusively. Let us work together, for each other, for a better world. All the peace and happiness of the whole globe; the peace and happiness of societies, the peace and happiness of family, the peace and happiness in the individual persons; and the peace and happiness of even the animals and so forth; all depends on having loving kindness toward each other; Lama Zopa Rinpoche

[@KittenisKitten]

Where is all this extra farmland going to come from? to grow all these extra vegetables?

[@lioseianishina4889]

you mean..the farm land that would be saved from not having to keep 700billion farm animals? ...hm.... dunno seems like if we weren't feeding hundreds of billions of farm animals there'd be an awful lot of food saved. and an awful lot of extra land for farming and other activities.

[@coreyg.3106]

this extra farmland will come from the land that used to grow crops for livestock. Not that livestock will completely disappear soon.

[@lilianajimenez3937]

i am a committed vegan. but he has a point. those 95% will never listen to te vegan message because for them it is so extreme. I rather have a small change than no change at all

[@yuppers1]

Same. Eyes on goal = less death

[@Alimaster95]

After watching many videos broadcasting vegans riding the moral highground calling meat eaters "murderers", "supporters of rape" and what not, I never even considered making a change in my diet as their message did not come through to me.......However what this guy is saying seems more plausible and actually made me listen. It went one step further and made me make the decision to eat less meat and to be a "Reducetarian". Note to vegans: If you want people to listen do not call them names.

[@twerkingfish4029]

Finally, a voice on this topic that doesn’t fill me with a visceral sense of frustration and annoyance.

[@BuckFieri]

This entire talk is rooted in an appeal to nature fallacy. The speaker is enlightened to the truth about meat consumption, but cannot overcome his "primal instincts." I have more respect for people who claim they cannot quit cigarettes.

[@last12stand]

The real problem is people. Just get rid of them and all problems would be solved!

[@CARMEN-xw7ni]

yes, it's funny because we treat animals as if they were ours and it was our decision.

[@nikfot2000]

OK then why don't you start with yourself first ?

[@deim0s243]

+!rC Instead of these fucking useless LGBT, feminist and religious activist groups, we *need* REAL activism. There's already some scientists saying humans will go extinct by 2030. It's our inability to understand the exponential mathematical function that is gonna (soon) make it too late for the planet. Temperatures, Methane from the arctic, water scarcity, all of them are growing exponentially, but probably none of you understand what that really means. Well, if we truly go extinct by 2030 I'm not gonna say "it was good while it lasted", because it wasn't. Humanity is disgusting nowadays.

[@DocRunaway]

+yoonmin rise It's like when any carnivore or omnivore just kill their prey as if it were their decision. So yes, we're not entirely unlike other species. I don't see what's new.

[@deim0s243]

Collins Ongaya Modern society IS a joke :)

[@marleanz1]

Vegan here. I appreciate the job he is doing by promoting people to reduce their meat comsuption to save this planet and the animals lives. Thats a step forward in this long Journey to achieve someday that happy vegan world we all wish Keep going

[@Melissa.Garrett]

I can understand people trying reducitarianism if they’re doing it for their own health or the environment, but honestly, if you’ve seen what happens at factory farms and been moved by it then you simply CAN’T bring yourself to eat or wear animal products. It’s a matter of motivation, and what your ultimate goal is.

[@frankfromupstateny3796]

Great speaker....great handle on English, delivery, aptitude of speaking....logical.

[@loh.22]

Correction: everyone IS able to completely stop eating all animal products. They just choose not to. They are not willing, you are right on that one.

[@isabellapeck8892]

I think this is a brave and positive talk he's clearly trying to bring people closer together to look at vegan ism. If you keep people so separate it creates more anger and fear . If we want to create a better world together we must focus on the positive steps each of us can make . Big change is a gradual and consistent encouragement , I think is most helpful !

[@MegGreen5Twilight]

I know you're talking to those trying to cut down on meat in the room but personally I think the phrase covers so much more, I've recently become interesting in Zero Waste however while I can't get down to that figure I can however become a reducetarian someone focusing on reducing their impact on the natural world, so thank you for this it was very inspiring and I love how you've given a name to those struggling in the vegetarian but not quite world.

[@KungFuChess]

I was waiting for a giant cane to swipe him off stage.

[@downbntout]

Reducetarians...awkward term, artificial. But I applaud the choice to cut the carnivore intake, for planet, health and moral reasons.

[@maxv9464]

While I see that it is positive for people to eat less meat, I feel that this video is going to give people a false image that you don't ever have to go all the way. It's not as though you can only do a bad thing on one day and be totally clear in conscience, and while it cannot be denied that it is good to lessen it this is not the right way to spread the message. It's the same argument that "we're never going to stop."

[@manalani3724]

Love the new words/terms. Great talk.