Having one designated meat-free day a week is a meaningful change that everyone can make, that goes to the heart of several important political, environmental and ethical issues all at once. It not only addresses pollution, but better health, the ethical treatment of animals, global hunger, and community and political activism.
Paul McCartney
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, cattle rearing – principally via methane produced by sheep and cows – is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions, more than transport’s 13%. Dr Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, has suggested one vegetarian day a week. It is an issue Paul McCartney and his family are backing with their Meat Free Monday campaign.
In February 2011, the UK Government announced new health guidelines that recommend a balanced diet should contain no more than 1lb of red meat a week (about one steak and two pork chops). Meanwhile, the Food Standards Agency suggests about 15% of our diet should come from protein-rich foods, which aside from meat and dairy products can include tofu, chick peas, lentils, nuts and fish.
Whether it’s beans on toast, walnut pesto and pasta, dhal and rice, humous and pitta or mackerel and salad, a protein-rich meal can be simple and tasty – and better for the planet.
Read more:
www.supportmfm.org
www.food.gov.uk
Salad days
Factory farm, Italy © Mark Edwards/Still Pictures
