An initiative dubbed “World Meat Free Week” is set to take place from June 11-17, this year. The initiative, whose slogan reads “one meal for a healthier planet,” aims to create a sustainable global future.
“Meat production is already responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than all emissions from global transport combined,” states the organization’s Facebook page. “What’s more, the livestock sector uses 30% of the earth’s entire land surface… while 69% of global fresh water is attributed to the food system. 80% of the deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest is attributed to beef production… It is now widely accepted that to increase our output to meet the rising demand is neither sustainable nor ethically feasible.”
“It might surprise you how much of an impact going meat free can have on our planet and your health,” it continues.
The World Meat Free Week website offers a free sustainability calculator to show people the impact that eating vegetarian meals has on the planet. So far, the initiative has gained the support of thousands.
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“Everyone from celebrities to athletes to entire companies are supporting the movement to eat more plant-based foods,” notes the website. The organization offers a recipes section that is comprised of predominantly vegan recipes and encourages participants to look online for further inspiration.
A recent impact analysis report revealed that eating vegetarian for just one day a week saves millions of animals and spares the equivalent to millions of kilograms of greenhouse gases and carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere. Another report released, by European scientists, said that to create a more sustainable food system, meat and dairy consumption must be reduced.
Further, international environmental organization, Greenpeace, declared in March that the global population must halve its meat intake by 2050. “Something is rotten in our food system,” said Bunny McDiarmid, Executive Director of the organization. “Governments continue to support massive meat and dairy operations, leading to more and more meat consumption while putting our health, our children’s health, and the health of our planet at risk.”
Image Credit: World Meat Free Week
