New Documentary Wants Everyone To Eat Less Meat To Fight Climate Change

Brian Kateman (lead producer of Meat Me Halfway) believes there is a middle ground between going fully vegan and being a meat-eater. And in the new documentary, Meat Me Halfway, he embarks on a journey to find it. 

Increasing education surrounding climate change, health and ethics is kickstarting a shift in interest for plant-based food - and this isn’t only happening in the US. According to a poll, the percentage of Brits following a vegan diet increased by 40% in 2020, and meat-free foods are more prominent than ever before. However, as promising as this is, it's unrealistic to expect the entire population to switch to a vegan diet right away. 

As gloomy as this sounds, all hope is not lost. Perhaps worldwide veganism isn’t the only answer?

Meat Me Halfway

"I was raised plant-based, and I never wanted to shove those beliefs down people's throats" - Madelaine Petsch, Actress.

Meat Me Halfway's executive producer, Madelaine Petsch, approaches activism in a non-judgmental and non-confrontational way - which is precisely how the documentary comes across. Meat Me Halfway presents the facts and leaves you to make your own choices. The claims are not sensationalist or misleading - which is often ineffective. Many vegans now choose to lead by example instead of preaching, as it focuses on the positives.  

In the documentary, Brian begins his journey at his childhood home. He sits down with his parents to discuss climate change and meat-eating. This interaction will likely feel familiar to many vegans and vegetarians, as it's a conversation people have had time and time again. Talking to your parents or other loved ones about veganism or environmentalism isn't always easy. And Brian reminds us that we're not alone in that respect (fortunately, there's a happy ending. But you'll have to watch to find out)!

Brian also speaks to experts such as Ethan Brown, CEO of Beyond Meat, Melanie Joy, President of Beyond Carnism, Arturo Elizondo, CEO of Clara Foods. Some key takeaways from these conversations include: 

Attainable moderation in a world of extremes

Numerous people want to make a positive difference in the world but cannot necessarily commit to going fully vegan - which is why the reducetarian movement has so much potential. 

Kateman founded the term reducetarian because he wanted to end factory farming, but he knew that asking everyone to stop eating meat is a near-impossible feat.

Contrary to popular belief, there is a difference between the terms reducetarian and flexitarian. While flexitarians primarily eat plants with the occasional inclusion of meat, reducetarians mindfully and gradually reduce their meat consumption with respect to their own diet. 

This is not just any vegan documentary

Meat Me Halfway also acknowledges that eating wholly plant-based is a privilege, as many individuals live in 'food deserts' where they do not have easy access to healthy food options. However, reducetarianism is flexible and inclusive, which is what the world needs right now. Everyone can contribute to fighting the climate crisis in their unique way, and every effort is valuable - which I think is a beautiful message. 

You can watch Meat Me Halfway via iTunes, Amazon, Google, Vimeo, YouTube, or Vudu.