The Benefits of Introducing Meat Free Monday

If you have been following the sustainability movement for the last few years, you would have come across the term ‘meat free Monday’. Put simply, meat free Monday is the act of going ‘meat free’ every Monday and making an effort to consume only plant-based meals for that one day a week. However, it is so much more than that.

Animal agriculture and industrial fishing has detrimental effects on our environment. The livestock sector is in the top three for the most substantial contributor to environmental issues. It is majorly responsible for producing greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore, it is having a direct impact on climate change.

The environmental impact of consuming meat cannot be ignored. While it may seem like a small thing, if we all give up meat for one day a week, it is a small sacrifice that can have a huge impact. It is a way that we can all significantly reduce our emissions.

Actively making an effort to consume more plant-based meals is also great for our health. Many of us struggle to get enough high-quality vegetables in our diet, so focusing only on meals that contain plant-based ingredients is a great way to get healthy and creative in the kitchen! It encourages us to make healthier food choices and get a variety of vitamins and minerals into our diets.

Meat free Mondays are something that everyone can get involved in – it’s an easy change to implement into your lifestyle that benefits both you and the planet. It’s a chance to experiment in the kitchen while playing your part when it comes to the environment.

Introducing meat free Monday is also a great way to make the shift from a meat-based diet to a vegetarian diet. It’s a way to slowly ease yourself into vegetarianism, if the thought of going completely meat free intimidates you. Encourage your friends to participate in meat free Mondays as well, even organising to create some plant-based meals together!

The sad truth is that a lot of land is needed for animal grazing. This means that more and more areas are being deforested to make way for pasture land. Global meat consumption has increased in recent years, meaning we are losing more and more of our land as large amounts are required for producing meat. Not only this, producing meat requires huge volumes of water.

While choosing not to eat meat one day a week might seem like a small act, the more we band together, the more we can change when it comes to our planet. Monday is the start of a new week and a great way to introduce yourself to the world of plant-based eating. So get in the kitchen, create some fun recipes and show our amazing planet some love!