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After unanimous councillor approval, The City of Berkeley has declared ‘Green Monday’ – a weekly initiative aimed at a shift toward plant-based eating.
Berkeley has partnered with environmental organization Green Monday US to become the first city in the US to ever implement such a project as part of a plan to combat climate change.
With the new initiative, the city of Berkeley will have to provide plant-based foods at all publicly owned dining venues, and councillors will dine on vegan fare at meetings.
Climate action
In a statement sent to Plant Based News, Green Monday Founder David Yeung said: “According to scientists and researchers, a global switch to diets that rely less on meat and more on fruit and vegetables is one of the most effective actions to counter climate change, food insecurity, water scarcity, not to mention public health crises.
“In fact, a plant-based diet could save up to 8 million lives by 2050, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by two thirds, and lead to healthcare-related savings and avoided climate damages of $1.5 trillion.
“Our diet choice not only influences our personal health but also controls the destiny of the planet.”
Berkeley
‘Green Monday’ is not the city’s first foray into increasing sustainability.
In June, the city committed to becoming carbon neutral by the year 2030, in light of what city council called a ‘climate emergency’.
Berkeley also hosted vegan Earth Day celebrations this year, and is home to renowned post secondary institution UC Berkeley – which offers a course in veganism and sustainability.
