Meatless Monday

Introduction

Meatless Monday is a global movement that encourages people to reduce their meat consumption for health and environmental reasons. It was started in 2003 by Sid Lerner, the founder of the nonprofit organization The Monday Campaigns, in association with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

History

The concept of Meatless Monday dates back to World War I, when the U.S. Food Administration urged families to reduce consumption of key staples to aid the war effort. The campaign was revived in 2003 as a public health awareness program. The goal is to reduce meat consumption by 15% for personal health and the health of the planet.

Health Benefits

There are numerous health benefits associated with reducing meat consumption. These include lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and obesity. A plant-based diet is also high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Environmental Impact

Reducing meat consumption also has a significant impact on the environment. The meat industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By choosing to go meatless even one day a week, individuals can help to reduce these environmental impacts.

How to Participate

Participating in Meatless Monday is simple. All you need to do is choose not to eat meat on Mondays. There are plenty of delicious and nutritious plant-based recipes available online to help you plan your meals. You can also spread the word about the movement by sharing your experiences on social media using the hashtag #MeatlessMonday.

Conclusion

Meatless Monday is a simple, effective way to improve personal health and make a positive impact on the environment. By choosing to go meatless even one day a week, individuals can make a significant difference.

See Also

• Vegetarianism
• Veganism
• Sustainable agriculture
• Climate change

References

• The Monday Campaigns. (n.d.). Meatless Monday. Retrieved from https://www.mondaycampaigns.org/meatless-monday
• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (n.d.). Meatless Monday. Retrieved from https://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/johns-hopkins-center-for-a-livable-future/projects/meatless_monday/
• Harvard Health Publishing. (2017, June 5). Becoming a vegetarian. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/becoming-a-vegetarian
• United Nations Environment Programme. (2020, June 6). Tackling issues at the environment-food nexus. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/tackling-issues-environment-food-nexus