Success As Thousands Take Part In Netherlands’ First ‘Week Without Meat’

The first ‘National Week Without Meat’ in the Netherlands has come to an end – with organizers hailing it a success.

The week (National Week Zonder Vlees) which took place from March 5-11, was the initiative of Isabel Boerdam, known from the blog and book De Hippe Vegetariër.

The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness around the positive impact of ditching meat – as well as showing how easy it is.

Promising

Around 32,000 people registered to take part in the event, which made mainstream headlines, featuring on various radio and television programs, and trending on Twitter.

Isabel Boerdam, said: “This is a promising start, from here we can only continue to grow.

“We can not change the world in one day, but I believe we have really made a real difference this week. “

According to the organization, meat substitute producers who particiapted in the campaign saw a ‘substantial difference in sales figures’.

Annual

The event is set to become an annual campaign.

Boerdam said: “In March 2019 we will continue this course. I would like to thank the current partners for their commitment this year, and hope that they and many more companies feel called to support the campaign again next year.

“I also look forward to further connections with the national and local authorities. I hope that, just like the municipality of Amsterdam this year, in 2019 many other municipalities will join our initiative.

“In addition, I would like to express the wish that the national Government commits itself next year to propagating our message.

“For example, it would be nice if our ministers set a good example and opt for a week without meat. I still have big ambitions.”