The 16th to 22nd May is National Vegetarian Week. An opportunity for those who eat meat to consider the impact it has on not only their health, but also the planet.
The awareness campaign is run by the Vegetarian Society who remind us that some of the UK’s most recognisable and well-loved species at risk of extinction due to the climate crisis.
They say that eating veggie is one of the simplest things we can all do to reduce our own carbon emissions and urge people to join the thousands of others signing up to National Vegetarian Week today (Monday).
Help tackle the climate crisis
If you are concerned about the climate crisis, but are unsure about what you can do to help, the Vegetarian Society say the answer is simple: eating more plant-based foods.
Choosing vegetarian meals means we can all have less impact on wildlife, whose homes are adversely affected by the climate crisis.
Some stats
The National Biodiversity Network State of Nature Report 2019 reveals that 41 per cent of UK species have declined since the 1970s.
According to National Food Strategy Report. Lancet, we should be eating 30 per cent less meat by 2030, which can be achieved by having just two meat-free days a week.
Sign up today
Choosing more vegetarian food is one of the best things we can all do for the planet.
See the National Vegetarian Week Website for tasty recipes and
You can pledge to take action today – Sign up today.
McIlwain: Plant-based food is better for the planet
Richard McIlwain, Chief Executive of the Vegetarian Society, said,
“We’re asking people to do whatever they can – swap one meal, eat veggie for a whole week, just go for it! Switch out meat in your meals, get experimental, and have fun.
“Evidence shows plant-based food is better for the planet, has far less carbon emissions than meat, and for households on tight budgets it can also be a cheaper, healthy choice.
“This popular foodie week will be bigger and better than ever this year, with a clear focus on the climate crisis. Get involved with National Vegetarian Week 2022 from 16th to 22nd May.”
Lumley: Please: just try: just for me, just for a week
Dame Joanna Lumley says,
“Please will you do this for me? Try eating delicious food that requires nothing to be killed: no fish, no animal or creature, no bird. It is fantastically easy and rewarding: it is cheaper: it is better for you, and it will make you a more fabulous person.
“Please: just try: just for me, just for a week. Thank you, and cheers sweeties!”
BOSH: You’ll be amazed how tasty, and inexpensive, veggie food can be
Henry Firth and Ian Theasby, from BOSH! (who share a huge range of plant-based recipes and meals) say,
“We absolutely love getting involved with National Vegetarian Week! There’s never been a better time to try putting more plants on your plate, for the planet, for your health and for the animals.
“Plus, you’ll be amazed how tasty, and inexpensive, veggie food can be.”
Packham: You’ll have less impact on our iconic wildlife
Chris Packham says,
“Climate crisis is adversely affecting the habitats of species like puffins, turtles, red squirrels, and bees putting them at risk.
“It can be easy to feel powerless in the face of climate change, but evidence shows plant-based food is better for the planet and has far less carbon emissions than meat.
“Choose veggie meals during National Vegetarian Week and you’ll have less impact on our iconic wildlife.”
The Hairy Bikers: A great time to choose veggie and cook more plant-based meals
Si and Dave, from The Hairy Bikers TV Show, say,
“We love discovering new ways of cooking with fabulous veg. And National Vegetarian Week is a great time to choose veggie and cook more plant-based meals.
“Swap one meal or eat veggie for the whole week. Just go for it! Sign up today and get some fantastic planet friendly recipes including a tasty one from us.”
Background
National Vegetarian Week is run by the Vegetarian Society, a UK charity. Established in 1847, we have a rich heritage but we’re a 21st century campaigning organisation.
See the Vegetarian Society Website for more information.
Image: victoria shes under CC BY 2.0
