Sustainable FoodIt’s time to rethink how we grow, share and consume food. The Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Christiana Figueres stressed that food systems are closely linked to climate change and climate conditions are making it harder to feed a growing population. Figueres stated, “If we are to sustainably feed the world’s population in the future we need to see action today”.
How to get started?
Adopting a food policy: Every individual, household and organization should adopt a food policy. An eco-friendly menu policy is a chance to align your actions and values with your mission. Whether you're a large NGO or a small community-based group, your environmental organization wants your members and supporters to learn about the critical condition of the planet and how to work toward sustainability and resource conservation. Part of your mission is to educate and inspire consumers on the best ways to effect constructive change. Your education initiatives include raising awareness about climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, pollution and drought. Your sustainability initiatives might center on urging consumers to use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, driving less, and using less water in their bathrooms, gardens, and kitchens. Or you may focus your efforts on government and industry fossil fuel systems and related impacts, and alternatives like wind or solar power. You may even touch on agriculture and how it contributes to deforestation and climate change. But do you focus on the true effects of animal agriculture? Meat production is a major (by many counts, the largest) contributor to worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. It causes habitat fragmentation and destruction, results in loss of biodiversity and species extinction, wastes huge amounts of water, and pollutes air and waterways. As an organization dedicated to protecting the environment, you have an incredible opportunity to amplify your mission and broaden your impact by not only educating on the effects of animal agriculture but by leaving animals off the plate at your events. Like the many organizations and millions of individuals switching to a plant based diet, your family or organization can be a part of the most humane, healthy, and sustainable movement on the planet. It’s never been easier to make such an enormous impact. We get it: Some consumers are resistant to the idea, and you don't want to lose donors. But today's consumers are more educated than ever, and a growing number are now expecting to see vegan meals at events they support. When farmed animals are on the menu at your events, it sends a mixed message to members and donors, as the very environment you are trying to protect is harmed by the industry behind the food you are serving. Why alienate these supporters when veg foods are the truly sustainable (and healthier) choice? What we ask of your organization is that you seize the simplest and most obvious opportunity to walk your talk by adopting a vegan menu policy for your events. |
The Meat & Dairy Industries
are some of the leading contributors to Global Warming Water Pollution Ocean Dead Zones Species Extinctions Human Health Issues Learn how to adopt an eco-friendly menu policy by emailing us today.
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To learn more visit www.foodforthoughtcampaign.org