Why World Meat Free Week?
Intensive meat and dairy production is destroying our forests, polluting our water, and warming our planet. It is causing deforestation on a massive scale, with over a quarter of the Earth’s landmass currently being used for livestock grazing! It is driving global warming: greenhouse gas emissions from livestock are equal to all emissions from cars, trucks, and airplanes. And while many places are experiencing water shortages and droughts, livestock are the single largest consumer and polluter of water on the planet.
People enjoying eating vegetarian/vegan entrees from around the world.
Menu: Steamed sourdough dumplings filled with buckwheat groats, fermented beetroot & wild herbs, served with sweet & sour chili sauce. Carrot, savoy cabbage & chickpea coconut milk curry. Basmati rice pilav with cashew nuts. Also sourdough & buckwheat flour blinis
Changing our diets from meat-intensive to more plant-based alternatives is also essential to our health. High red meat consumption has been linked to cancer, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Five million deaths each year could be avoided by 2050 if people all around the world shifted to healthier diets with more veggies and legumes and less meat.
But the good news is that there’s something we can do about this. All over the world, people are taking action in their own lives and communities, by eating more veggies and less and better meat and encouraging their friends and family to do the same.
And on June 11, the first day of World Meat Free Week, people everywhere will stand up for healthy food and a healthy planet by choosing not to eat meat or dairy. Discover how you can get involved and sign up to join in.
Open Boat events consisting of several tents providing an opportunity for our visitors to engage with Greenpeace history, our local campaigns, global and local plastic issues, and cooking meat free meals.
Try new things on World Meat Free Day
Want to eat less meat but don’t know where to start? Check out our online cookbook; Recipes for a Healthy World.
Spread the (veggie) love!
You don’t have to do it alone! Host a veggie meal or potluck with friends and family. Savor good food, have a great time with the people you love, and do the right thing for our planet.
Enjoying a plant-based meal in Bangkok, Thailand.
Get your city on board!
Cities and other local governments, from Mexico to Denmark, are getting in on the plant-based action too! They’re serving vegetarian meals in schools, hospitals, and other public institutions. They’re teaching public employees and students about the joys and benefits of a plant-based diet. Maybe your city could be next! Check our guide to the cities leading the way in this effort, and a toolkit that will help you make this happen in your town.
Join the global movement and sign up for World Meat-Free Week!
