Britons told to swap turkey for red cabbage soup this Christmas to save the planet

The wildlife conservation charity suggested several plant-based alternatives for Christmas tables, including quinoa, vegetable crumble, and red cabbage soup.

The WWF wrote on their website: "Help to reduce the demand for meat by adding meat-free alternatives to your meal plans.

“If you are hosting a festive gathering, try out some new vegetarian or vegan dishes and help encourage more plant-based meal habits.”

In November, the blog post titled "Top Tips for a Sustainable Christmas" shared a range of "planet-friendly recipes" for festive inspiration.

Suggestions ranged from carrot and chickpea burgers to a vegetable crumble packed with broccoli, spinach, peas and courgette

Other festive plant-based ideas included vegetarian toad in the hole, a bean-filled shepherd’s pie, cowpea and lentil stew, and a bright pink red cabbage and orange soup.

The blog said the dishes were "good for you and the planet" and could help lower greenhouse gas emissions.

It read: “The livestock industry generates 14.5 per cent of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions, and livestock require huge amounts of space, water and feed, all of which contributes to their global footprint."

An estimated 10 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Britain are caused by agriculture, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

However, Countryside Alliance director of external affairs Mo Metcalf-Fisher urged Britons to ignore the WWF’s advice and stick to turkey and ham this Christmas.

Mr Metcalf-Fisher added that British livestock was “among the most sustainable in the world”.

He said: “If people want to slurp on cabbage soup for Christmas, that’s their business.

“I, however - alongside the vast bulk of the UK public - will be tucking into a delicious bit of high-welfare, locally reared turkey and ham.

“Livestock farming in this country is among the most sustainable in the world, and the only wish I have this Christmas is that people buy British and support our amazing farmers.”

A WWF spokesman stressed that the guidance was optional and did not mean cutting out meat altogether, saying: “We believe diet is a personal choice.

“We know many of our supporters are looking for practical ways to help nature, and eating a bit less meat, choosing more sustainable seasonal options and cutting food waste can be ways to do this.”

According to a YouGov survey conducted last month, turkey remains the nation’s favourite for Christmas dinner, with 57 per cent of Britons including it in their main meal.

The same poll also found that 13 per cent of Britons are opting for vegetarian or vegan alternatives on the big day.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter