Following Ikea's decision to stock reindeer meat and the resulting media debacle about the ethics of eating Santa's trusty steed, Dollymix pose an interesting question today about what we consider acceptable to put on our Christmas dinner table.
As a veggie, it's actually quite easy to ensure an 'ethical' meal once you've chosen on what you'll eat with the trimmings (and that bit, I'll admit, is a pain). But if you or your family want meat, there are ways to make more eco-friendly and ethical choices. Read on after the jump to find out how you can make greener dinner decisions this Christmas that are also senstitive to the pinch in our wallets.
Related: Sprouts to cause a gassy problem at Christmas | Hearty vegetarian roasts from Quorn
UK Energy Saving have some tips for a kinder Christmas, pointing out that:
In terms of the environment, meat production is much more carbon intensive than producing vegetables, so the most eco-friendly option would be to have a vegetarian Christmas meal. If this doesn't appeal from either a taste or tradition point of view, then it is important to make sure that any meat you buy is organic and locally reared.
Easy enough - just visit your local butcher, ask some questions, and if their answers don't satisfy you companies like Able & Cole, Rhug Estate Organic Farm and Swaddles will let you order over the net, though you'll have to get organised within the next week to get what you need in time for the big day.
Vegetarians and vegans can avoid the nut roast cliche (if they want to) with some tasty recipes from the BBC and Veggie Vision have a free guide to 'loving and surviving your vegetarian Christmas' which you can send off for via email. Otherwise, Google is, of course, your friend - and imagine my excitement recently when I stumbled across a vegan Yorkshire pudding recipe. What joy - I'm definitely trying that!
What are you having for Christmas dinner?
Leave a comment