That does not seem to be a matter of 'practical' but rather a matter of eating preferences.
Honestly our food habits are just out of whack. If you go to any Asian or African country (outside the touristic areas) you'll find how many classical/common dishes taste great without meat. From Chinese noodle soups to Thai curries to Ethiopian bean dishes or Indian anything, you miss neither nutrients nor flavour without meat.
I would argue the vegetarian movement has made a huge impact in reawakening many 'western' recipes which disappeared when near became cheap. From beetroot to Brussels sprouts to pickles to lentil stews and grilled vegetables - lots of things are back on the plate.
All that long said for a short message: yes it can be very practical if we collectively (or individually) want it to be.
That is not the argument, though. I firmly believe that an overwhelming majority of people who read HN would be able to practically remove meat from their diet. It's not about everyone, it's about individuals, and individuals should strive to do their best given their circumstances.
I don't like the dogmatic absolutism as well. All meat? I can't eat sustainably farmed, smoked mussels? And if we are talking vegan I cannot eat sustainable honey or cheese? It's asinine and arbitrary. The vegan/vegetarian cause would create more pragmatic change if it were more welcoming and respected those who are willing to cut back.
Honestly our food habits are just out of whack. If you go to any Asian or African country (outside the touristic areas) you'll find how many classical/common dishes taste great without meat. From Chinese noodle soups to Thai curries to Ethiopian bean dishes or Indian anything, you miss neither nutrients nor flavour without meat.
I would argue the vegetarian movement has made a huge impact in reawakening many 'western' recipes which disappeared when near became cheap. From beetroot to Brussels sprouts to pickles to lentil stews and grilled vegetables - lots of things are back on the plate.
All that long said for a short message: yes it can be very practical if we collectively (or individually) want it to be.