“Plant-based” stock photo trend: How your communication expresses optimism for action

A plant-based diet is a form of nutrition based on foods of plant origin. It is not a purely vegan diet trend but is about the conscious use of all foods, including those of animal origin. So while the basics are fruits and vegetables, whole-grain products, legumes, nuts and seeds, small quantities of meat, milk products, and fish supplement the food plan Ideally, all components have one thing in common: They are regionally sourced and as unprocessed as possible.

Good for our bodies and the climate

Plant-based nutrition is very healthy. With balanced consumption and the occasional addition of animal products and meat, this form of nutrition also prevents nutrition deficiencies that can occur with a purely vegetarian or vegan diet. With moderate meat consumption, plant-based food is really the best of both worlds.

Long transport routes and additional energy expenditure required for the production of ready-made products become superfluous, which means that plant-based nutrition also helps to protect the climate. In addition, processed foods often contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and preservatives, which do not fit in with a healthy diet. So if you buy unprocessed food, you do something for health and climate protection – a classic win-win situation!

Good for communication

What does this have to do with stock photography? The never-ending flood of information offers us many opportunities but can also be burdensome. Take, for example, the gloomy forecasts regarding the consequences of climate change. Each of us is faced with the question: Do we want to fear the outcomes of these scenarios, or do we want to do something to prevent them from becoming a reality? Even small individual decisions for climate protection and sustainable living make a difference, both practically for the energy balance and psychologically for our well-being. Instead of passively fearing the future with a bad ecological conscience, we can actively do something, not only for our physical and mental well-being, but also for a greener future.

Let’s start with something very existential: food. Changing your diet and buying regional food is a viable way to live more sustainably. Not only does it feel good, but it can also taste really good. And you’re setting a positive example for others.

At Westend61, we say optimism means actively addressing the challenges of the future by making a change. In our current trend report, we explore the question of why images that express such action optimism have a positive effect on brand communication and so on. There are many areas of application for these motifs, such as in the areas of mobility, industry and energy generation, regional marketing, and healthy nutrition. The trend report is available for download on our homepage.

Deep dive into the image box

Strong images of a more sustainable future can be important companions and pioneers of a cross-generational change of mindset. And that’s what we need if we want to leave our children and grandchildren a world worth living in. And that’s why contemporary visual brand communication needs optimism for action. With a pinboard on “Plant-based food,” we provide you with some inspiration.