Episode 45: Nital Jethalal on Plant-Based Eating Patterns in the GTA

In this episode we talk to Nital Jethalal -- a plant-based policy analyst and economist with Plant-Based Data and the president of VegTO, a Toronto-based non-profit that seeks to inspire people to choose healthier, greener, and more compassionate lifestyles. Nital is also the co-founder and chair of the Veg Climate Network and sits on the board of directors for the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank.In our conversation, we talk about a recent survey conducted by VegTO and the Angus Reid Institute that looked at food choices and awareness in the G-T-A. It found two in three residents want to reduce their meat consumption and that over 85 percent say they are aware of the impacts of animal products on the environment. We get into these findings and many others… and what they mean moving forward.SocialsPlant Based DataVegTOTO Veg Food Bank Veg Climate NetworkStudies/Links“Food Choices & Awareness in the Greater Toronto Area” (2022)“Will People Cut Down the Amount of Meat They Eat for the Planet?  For many the answer is no” (2022)“Survey Finds that 77% of Canadians Understand the Harmful Impacts of Eating Meat” (2020)“Food Politics: How the food industry influences nutrition and health” Marion Nestle (2008)“Regenesis: Feeding the world without devouring the planet” (2022) - George Monbiot“A Menu for Change: Using behavioural science to promote sustainable diets around the world” (2020)“The Economic Burden of Not Meeting the Canada Food Guide Recommendations” (2018) - Lieffers et alFood Empowerment ProjectApex Advocacy“Can Lifestyle Changes Reverse Coronary Heart Disease?” - Dean Ornish (1990) “Geography, International Trade & Political Mobilization in US Industries”  - MarcBusch (2001) “Bloodless Revolution” - Tristan Stuart (2008) Doug Evans “The Sprout Book” (2020)“Nudge” (2008) The China StudyC40 Good Food Cities DeclarationCanadian Institute for Health Information “Sapiens” - Yuval Noah Harari (2011)“Animal Liberation” - Peter Singer (1975)Sacred Economics (2011) - Charles Eisenstein Support the show