UK Climate Change group backs 20% cut in red meat and dairy consumption

March 25, 2020 - 15:45The UK needs to reduce the amount of beef, lamb and dairy products it consumes by 20% if it is to honour its commitment to becoming a ‘net zero’ economy by 2050. Together with a 20% cut in food waste, it comprises one of five action points on changing land use that need to be made policy, according to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC). The others are an increase in tree-planting, the greater...Read more

West Yorkshire school trials meat-free menu

March 25, 2020 - 15:43Prince Henry’s Grammar School has started trialling a meat-free menu every Tuesday where all hot meals are either vegan or vegetarian. The initiative was set up to benefit the health of students and the planet. Dishes include vegetable lasagne, baked peppers and eggs as well as aubergine and chickpea curry. Andy Rice, catering manager at Prince Henry’s Grammar School, said: “Climate change and...Read more

New report reveals real costs of increasing chicken consumption

March 25, 2020 - 15:42The Eating Better Alliance has published a report revealing the ‘unacceptable’ cost that increased chicken consumption is having on the environment. In the UK 850 million chickens are reared every year, 95% of which are in intensive indoor units. The report stated a growing appetite for chicken is accelerating climate change through deforestation to supply soy for the chicken’s diet. The UK...Read more

Public sector caterers back weekly ‘plant-based’ menu idea

March 18, 2020 - 15:57A proposal to encourage caterers across the public sector to promote plant-based dishes once a week has won initial support from public sector catering chiefs. At a round table debate at the House of Commons leaders gave the go-ahead to the idea and are expected to collaborate early in the new year on how best to promote and roll out the initiative. The suggestion was part of a discussion on...Read more

Who lives longest: meat eaters or vegetarians?

March 18, 2020 - 09:41In the headlong rush to embrace plant-based diets it is worth looking at the evidence and keeping a sense of perspective, says James Brown Our ability to live a long life is influenced by a combination of our genes and our environment. In studies that involve identical twins, scientists have estimated that no more than 30% of this influence comes from our genes, meaning that the largest group of...Read more