Image: Residents holding demonstration at Hackney Town Hall 24/07/24
Plant-based policy changes have swept the country, with four councils making plant-based commitments within a week after campaigning from residents and supporters of Plant-Based Councils [1].
On 24/07/24 Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council committed to 100% plant-based catering at internal meetings and events [2]. The same evening, Hackney Borough Council said they’d be serving 100% plant-based food by 2030 [3].
The week prior, on 17/07/24, Dacorum Borough Council confirmed that from 2025 all catering will be vegetarian by default [4]. Soon after, councillors of Forest of Dean District Council voted to approve a motion promoting plant-based eating to residents [5].
Other UK councils have made similar commitments, including Exeter City, Oxfordshire County, Oxford City and Cambridge City Councils [6].
In a stunning wave of climate action across the UK, four councils have committed to ambitious plant-based policy. This comes after work across the country by local residents who are part of the Plant-Based Councils campaign. The group has said it hopes to trigger a “tsunami of change” in local authorities.
Louisa Hillwood, Plant-Based Councils London Coordinator said:
“Local councils are stepping up to be the climate leaders we sorely need. They’re acknowledging the science that tells us a swift move towards plant-based eating is essential to address the climate and nature emergencies. Just as we saw in 2018 with a wave of councils declaring a climate emergency, we’re now seeing councils pioneer ambitious plant-based policies that support local farming communities and growers.”
The same evening that Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council committed to 100% plant-based catering for internal meetings and events, Hackney Borough Council in London said they’d have fully plant-based menus by 2030. Both commitments come as a result of ongoing campaigning by residents and supporters of Plant-Based Councils and Plant Based Treaty, who are eager to see their local council take bold climate action on food.
Liz Readle, 68, retired University teacher addressed councillors on Calderdale Council:
“The climate emergency affects us all. Increasing the consumption of plant based foods is vital in order to meet net zero targets and reduce biodiversity loss, water pollution and antibiotic resistance. To change our food system we need to support food growers and help animal farmers to transition to sustainable plant based farming.”
The same week, Dacorum Borough Council confirmed that from 2025 it will transition to exclusively vegetarian catering at internal meetings and events. This commitment was made in response to a question from member of the public and Plant-Based Councils campaigner, Dr Keval Shah.
Dr Shah, 41, a Dental Surgeon said:
“I am really pleased that the council is taking the important step for the climate of committing to sustainable vegetarian options for internal meetings and events. We know that plant-based options are much better for the planet, and so I strongly encourage the council to take the next step and commit to fully plant-based internal catering.”
Furthermore, the Forest of Dean District Council recently approved a motion promoting plant-based eating. The motion called for the council to ensure plant-based options are available and clearly advertised at all council events and meetings, and to further promote the advantages of a diet rich in plant-based foods.
Plant-Based Councils, an Animal Rising campaign, is a national initiative of local residents who are pushing for their councils to adopt 100% plant-based catering and implement a Plant-Based Action Plan [1]. The group claims that local authorities have a responsibility to follow the current scientific consensus, which acknowledges the environmental, health, and cost benefits of plant-based meals over those containing meat and dairy. The campaign is active in over 32 councils, with the group encouraging interested residents to sign up to run a local campaign.
ENDS.
Word count: 624
For more information or further comments, please contact press@plantbasedcouncils.org
NOTES TO EDITORS:
[6] Oxford City motion: https://mycouncil.oxford.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=35043
Oxfordshire County Council votes to serve fully plant-based food at all council-catered events https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/plant-based-food/
Exeter City Council votes to serve 100% plant-based food at catered meetings https://news.exeter.gov.uk/council-pledges-to-raise-awareness-of-the-benefits-of-plant-based-food/
Cambridge City Council votes to serve 100% plant-based food at catered meetings https://democracy.cambridge.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5423
Comments