On 28.04.24 at Ashford Civic Centre local residents and supporters of the Plant-Based Councils campaign unfurled a banner asking Ashford Borough Council to ensure that all food and drink provided at council meetings and events is 100% plant-based [1].
Similar actions have been taken around the country, including in Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham and London
Other UK councils have already made commitments to 100% plant-based catering, such as Exeter City, Oxfordshire County, Oxford City and Cambridge City [2].
Residents gathered at Ashford Civic Centre on 28.04.24 to call on Ashford Borough Council to take climate action on food by ensuring that all food and drink provided at internal council events is 100% plant-based as part of their response to the climate emergency. They unfurled a banner reading “Plant-Based Councils Climate Action on Food” and called on their council to back the campaign.
Mandy Rossi, Parliamentary Candidate for Ashford (Green Party) said:
“I’m happy to support the Plant Based Councils campaign. It’s important that our councils act as community leaders in the journey towards net zero. We all know that plant based food is not only more sustainable, it’s healthier and more inclusive.”
Rob Smith (52), Ashford resident said:
“This year we've seen record rainfall across the UK driven by climate change. Crop yields are expected to be low as a result. Public bodies such as Ashford Borough Council need to show leadership in tackling this issue by committing to going 100% plant based. Kent is famous for its produce, and this would be a great way to show support for our local growers.”
The scientific consensus is that food products derived from animals have a much greater impact on the environment than plant-based alternatives [3]. Research from the University of Oxford has shown that 76% of the land currently used for food production could be freed-up by a global transition to plant-based production [4] and campaigners argue that this land could be rewilded and begin carbon drawdown, mitigating the worst impacts of climate breakdown.
Plant-Based Councils, an Animal Rising campaign, is a national initiative that is active in over 45 councils. Campaigners are pushing for their councils to adopt 100% plant-based catering, claiming that local authorities have a responsibility to follow the current scientific consensus, which acknowledges the significant environmental benefits of plant-based meals compared to those containing meat or dairy.
ENDS.
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For more information or further comments, please contact press@plantbasedcouncils.org
NOTES TO EDITORS:
[1] The Plant-Based Councils campaign aims to address the climate emergency starting with the food on our plates. Working with councils across the UK to encourage them to lead the way in the switch from emission heavy foods to plant-based ones that are better for health, our planet and reducing the impact from the cost of living crisis.
[2] Oxford City motion: https://mycouncil.oxford.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=35043
Oxfordshire County Council votes to serve fully plant-based food at all council-catered events https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/plant-based-food/
Exeter City Council votes to serve 100% plant-based food at catered meetings https://news.exeter.gov.uk/council-pledges-to-raise-awareness-of-the-benefits-of-plant-based-food/
Cambridge City Council votes to serve 100% plant-based food at catered meetings https://democracy.cambridge.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5423
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