It is undeniable to say that what we eat affects our health and the planet’s health: more than 1/3 of greenhouse gas emissions are linked to food, largely from the meat industry and our food system is the main driver of biodiversity loss. Between 2010 and 2018, the average monthly intake of meat per person rose from 1.8 kg to 2.2 kg. Demand for animal products increases linearly with income (Tiongco, 2008). In 2020, pork consumption in Thailand amounted to almost ten kilograms per capita, which was the highest among the different types of meat. Meat is a significant part of the Thai diet and is included in many local dishes (Ciba, 2023). Therefore, global dietary patterns need to move towards more plant-heavy diets. However, plant-based diets remain inaccessible to the majority of people and there is limited awareness of the actual impact our food systems have on climate change and biodiversity.
Plant Planet aims to educate and empower individuals in Bangkok to make sustainable food choices by promoting plant-based diets and supporting eco-friendly restaurants.
- We strive to reduce the environmental impact of our food systems and foster a culture of responsible eating.
- We hope that through our project, people become aware of the impacts of different food choices and change their consumption preferences from having zero or little experience eating plant-based options to regular eaters.
- In the future, plant-based dinner will be organized in partnership with plant-based food restaurant in Bangkok
- We’re also planning to partner with organization that provide green spaces or other community-spaces, e.g. What a Why
As part of Soho House Bangkok’s Year-End Festive Market, Global Shapers Bangkok Hub, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, hosted an interactive activity aimed at challenging misconceptions around plant-based food. The initiative was designed to encourage more sustainable and conscious eating habits by addressing the biases that often shape consumer perceptions.
A blind chocolate tasting challenge was conducted, where participants sampled two chocolates—one plant-based and one traditional milk chocolate—without knowing which was which. They were then asked to rate each one and guess which was plant-based.
The results were eye-opening:
However, an interesting trend emerged—participants who assumed the milk chocolate was plant-based rated it significantly lower, revealing the strong impact of preconceived notions on taste perception.Rethinking the Narrative Around Plant-Based FoodMany participants expressed surprise at how comparable the plant-based option was to traditional chocolate. Several shared that their perspectives had shifted, with some stating they were now more open to trying plant-based meals in restaurants or incorporating them into their weekly diets.“This experiment highlights how labels and biases can shape our food choices more than we realize. By removing preconceived notions, we open up new possibilities for more sustainable and mindful eating habits,” said a representative from Global Shapers Bangkok Hub.A Step Toward SustainabilityPlant-based diets are proven to be more sustainable, using fewer natural resources and generating a smaller environmental footprint compared to animal-based food. They also offer significant health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases.Through initiatives like this, Global Shapers Bangkok Hub continues to drive conversations around sustainability, innovation, and social impact.Join the ConversationGlobal Shapers Bangkok Hub encourages everyone to challenge their perceptions and explore plant-based alternatives with an open mind. Could your next favorite dish be plant-based? The answer may surprise you.