I don't think you would change their mind even if you convinced them that plants have no feelings. A certain segment of society is dissatisfied with modern civi

I don't think you would change their mind even if you convinced them that plants have no feelings. A certain segment of society is dissatisfied with modern civilization; they are disappointed with how well a capitalist, competitive, technology-heavy society has turned out. In their worldview, the noble savage is the ideal - communal tribes living "in harmony" with nature. The modern world is evil, dirty, selfish. So, they will support whatever sentiments they can to oppose it.