Status: 25/09/2023, 19:04 p.m.
By: Christoph Gschoßmann
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Window closed when cooking with meat, a vegan family demands from their neighbors. Her letter found its way onto the Internet and sparked a discussion there.
Perth – In the suburb of Burns Beach in the city of Perth, a completely vegan family didn't like the constant smell of meat wafting through their window when their neighbors cooked with animal products. The family had no other solution and wrote a letter to the neighbors, which found its way onto the Internet.
Vegan dispute in Australia: "Smell of meat makes us sick and dismays us"
"Hello neighbor, could you please close your side window while cooking?" the handwritten message reads. "My family is vegan – we only eat plant-based foods – and the smell of the meat you cook makes us sick and dismays." For many vegetarians, especially those who abstain from meat for ethical reasons and concern for animal welfare, the smell of meat is understandably difficult to bear. "We would appreciate your understanding," the family continues, "thank you very much. Sarah, Wayne and kids." On the envelope there is still a note to take the call seriously.
An urgent letter from a vegan family reached a neighbor. © The West Australian
More and more people are eating a plant-based diet, including in Germany. Recently, a representative Forsa survey showed that twelve percent of Germans are now vegetarians, and three percent are vegan. Meat consumption has been declining for years: According to the Federal Ministry of Food, the estimated per capita consumption in 2022 was 52.0 kg slaughter weight/capita, compared to 2017 kilograms in 60. With such a radical change in eating habits, it is inevitable that there will be arguments between those who still eat meat and consumers of plant-based products.
Understanding for vegan family: "I would comply with their wish"
Some users showed understanding for the letter on social media. "If her side window was very close to her own home, I would comply with the request. I don't understand why not," one person wrote. But she also said: "However, if I were to grill in the garden, it would be difficult. Then they should close their own windows."
Some users also made fun of the family. "I would light up the grill and invite the whole street," wrote one user on Facebook. He calls her "entitled", which means snooty. Another user writes what he would answer: "Dear neighbor, please close your windows when cooking vegetables, as I am a carnivore (I only eat meat) and the smell of the cooked vegetables is offensive to me." Whether you eat vegan, vegetarian or meat yourself: A little understanding doesn't hurt, whether in Australia or here in Germany.
A vegan restaurant is confidently competing with established fast-food chains. The "Swing Kitchen" was opened in Munich. There are also some vegan specialties at the Oktoberfest. (cgsc)
