Animal Aid

Farming and slaughtering animals is now recognised as a significant contributor to today’s greatest environmental problems. According to the United Nations, animal farming is responsible for 18 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the entire transport sector combined. Another expert group says the figure could be more than 50 per cent. Reducing or eliminating meat and other animal products from our diets is, therefore, one of the most effective ways in which we can really make a difference to protecting the planet.

So why not start by designating one day a week as Meat-Free? It’s a simple action that each of us can take to reduce our contribution to climate change, help save many species and their habitats and ensure that we, and the planet we live on, have a future. If everyone in the UK adopted Meat-Free Monday, it would result in greater carbon savings than taking five million cars off of the road or the equivalent of replacing one billion light bulbs with low-energy ones. Reducing the amount of animal products in our diets will also help to boost our health and, of course, help to end animal suffering. What more incentive do you need? So start with Meat-Free Monday and then try Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And don’t forget to tell your friends and family!

Meat-Free Cities

In May 2009, Ghent City Council in Belgium attracted worldwide media and public attention when it announced that it would promote one meat-free day a week to encourage the city’s inhabitants to reduce their contribution to climate change and, simultaneously, boost their health. Will your city be next?

Find out how you can encourage your city to have a meat-free day

Key Resources