Meatless Mondays
JOIN BCUCC AS WE PLEDGE TO SUPPORT MEATLESS MONDAYS
Meatless Monday was created in 2003 as a public health awareness program in association with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Research found that cutting the consumption of meat by just 15% improves our health and the health of our planet by lowering our intake of saturated fats, conserving water, and reducing our carbon footprint. The Meatless Monday campaign is now backed by over 20 schools of pubic health, and a broad array of public health advocates, animal welfare activists and environmentalists.
WHY MONDAY?
For most Americans the week begins on Monday. On Monday we move from the freedom of the weekend back to the structure of work or school. We set our intentions for the next six days. We plan ahead and evaluate progress.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOING MEATLESS ON MONDAY
Going Meatless on Monday helps reduce the risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity:
Limit Cancer Risk: Hundreds of studies suggest that diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer risk. Both red and processed meat consumption are associated with colon cancer.
Reduce Heart Disease: Recent data from a Harvard University study found that replacing saturated fat-rich foods (for example, meat and full fat dairy) with foods that are rich in polyunsaturated fat (for example, vegetable oils, nuts and seeds) reduces the risk of heart disease by 19%.
Fight Diabetes: Research suggests that higher consumption of red and processed meat increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Curb Obesity: People on low-meat or vegetarian diets have significantly lower body mass index (bmi) and lower body weight. A plant-based diet is a great source of fiber (absent in animal products). This makes you feel full with fewer calories, i.e. lower calorie intake and less overeating. Research has found that eating more plant foods and less animal products may help individuals control their weight.
Live Longer: Red and processed meat consumption is associated with modest increases in total mortality, cancer mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality.
Improve Your Diet: Consuming beans or peas results in higher intakes of fiber, protein, folate, zinc, iron and magnesium with lower intakes of saturated fat and total fat.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF GOING MEATLESS ON MONDAYS
Going Meatless on Monday improves the health of our planet by saving precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel:
Reduce Our Carbon Footprint: The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization estimates the meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions that are accelerating climate change worldwide . . . far more than transportation. And annual worldwide demand for meat continues to grow. Reining in meat consumption once a week can help slow this trend.
Minimize Water Usage: The water needs of livestock are tremendous, far above those of vegetables or grains. An estimated 1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water go into a single pound of beef. Soy tofu produced in California requires 220 gallons of water per pound.
Help Reduce Fossil Fuel Dependence: On average, about 40 calories of fossil fuel energy go into every calorie of feed lot beef in the U.S. Compare this to the 2.2 calories of fossil fuel energy needed to produce one calorie of plant-based protein. Moderating meat consumption is a great way to cut fossil fuel demands.
Join the Movement! Pledge to go Meatless this Monday. Join the growing number of individuals, families and institutions pledging to improve their health and the health of our planet. To learn more, visit www.meatlessmonday.com.