As I write this, the planet has just experienced some of the hottest days ever recorded. And yet, there are still a lot of people who aren’t heeding the alarm bells.
In this episode of The Vegetarian Zen podcast we’re pleased to welcome someone who is listening to those alarm bells and, more importantly, is doing something about it. Our guest today is Brian Kateman, co-founder and president of The Reducetarian Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission it is to improve human health, protect the environment, and spare farm animals from cruelty by reducing societal consumption of animal products.
You can listen to our interview with Brian here and read on for a full bio.
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Who is Brian Kateman?
Brian Kateman is a pioneer in the field of meat reduction and sustainable living. He has not only shaped conversations around this topic but has also created a whole new vocabulary to express it. He introduced us to the term “reducetarian,” which refers to an individual consciously taking steps to reduce their meat consumption.
Brian’s journey to reducing the consumption of meat and promoting sustainable living began in 2015 when he co-founded The Reducetarian Foundation. His vision was not just about decreasing meat consumption but also about making dietary changes for personal health, environmental protection, and animal welfare. He saw reducetarianism not as an all-or-nothing commitment but as a flexible and inclusive movement that encourages everyone to participate at their own pace and comfort level.
An influential author, Brian has penned important works like The Reducetarian Solution, The Reducetarian Cookbook, and Meat Me Halfway. His books provide a practical guide and scientific reasoning for anyone considering meat reduction. He also produced the documentary version of Meat Me Halfway, an eye-opening exploration of the ethical, environmental, and health impacts of our dietary choices.
Brian’s significant contribution to the world of sustainability has been widely recognized. He is a regular contributor to magazines like Fast Company and Forbes. Additionally, his writings have graced the pages of respected media outlets like The Atlantic, the Los Angeles Times, and the Washington Post.
Brian lives in New Jersey, where he enjoys the company of his wife Isabel and their two rescue dogs, Tobey and Cooper. His humility and commitment to the cause of sustainability are truly an inspiration.
Beyond his work with The Reducetarian Foundation, Brian also shares his knowledge and passion for environmental science and sustainability in academia. He is an adjunct professor at Kean University and teaches environmental communications at Fordham University. Armed with an MA in Conservation Biology from Columbia University and a BA in Biology from The Macaulay Honors College, City University of New York, he is undoubtedly well-equipped for the task.
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