Choose to have one meat-free day a week in your home
If you’re not a vegetarian, rather than default to eating meat every day, plan so that at least one day a week you avoid eating it altogether. If enough people did this (and gradually reduced their meat consumption more) the environmental impact would be huge.
Our diets have a bearing on the sustainability of our planet. It’s been calculated that the length of time the world’s petroleum reserves would last (with current technologies) if all human beings ate a meat-centered diet would be just 13 years. They would last 260 years if all human beings ate a vegetarian diet. Maybe we can make a generous step in that direction.
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation has estimated that meat production accounts for nearly a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. These are generated during the production of animal feeds, for example, while ruminants, particularly cows, emit methane, which is 23 times more effective as a global warming agent than carbon dioxide. The agency has also warned that meat consumption is set to double by the middle of the century.
Campaigners have also pointed out the health benefits of eating less meat. The average person in the UK eats 50g of protein from meat a day, equivalent to a chicken breast and a lamb chop – a relatively low level for rich nations but 25-50 per cent more than World Heath Organisation guidelines.
Related links
Read more about why this is the case and why the UN are recommending that we cut down on meat consumption here
More on Meat Free Monday here including these not bad vegetarian recipes.
Read about meat-free mondays here.
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GB , 15 Aug 2005
i have taken this action on in a slightly different way and I am trying to have 6 meat free days. we have increased our intake of fish. And when we do have meat I tend to by organic or free range. it has been an easier action than i first expected
Midhurst, GB , 20 Aug 2005
Have been a vegetarian for over twenty five years. Does this count?
taunton, GB , 24 Aug 2005
how about having 1 meat day a week, and 6 meat-free days!
in spag bol, chilli con carne, etc… replace 1/2 mince you used to use with lentils… this makes it: cheaper, more healthy, more generous… as red meat needs a lot of energy to produce, etc.
Maidenhead, GB , 31 Aug 2005
We have started to do this one this week – spurred on by all the lovely vegetarian food we ate at Greenbelt!
We are also aiming to generally reduce our meat consumption in dishes where we do have meat in order that when we do buy meat it is the more expensive organic/free range etc. rather than the dubious looking 2 packs for 5.99 offers in the supermarket.
Unfortunately Drew won’t eat fish so that’s not an option!
Maidenhead, GB , 31 Aug 2005
Perhaps the vegetarians or those who already do this could share recipes here? I love to cook but on a weekday evening I really need things I can do in around 30-45 minutes.
I have the Cranks Fast Food book – http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1841881589/ – which has lots of North African style recipes, but would love to know other people’s favourites as trying to think of things to cook I realise how much I rely on meat as the centre of every meal.
04 Sep 2005
We only have one meat meal a week! I’m ‘flexitarian’ – veggie but eating fish, and free range organic chicken once a week. The rest of the time, family have to be fish-eating veggies. It’s hard, with a fussy kid – I do cook the occasional chicket nuggets for him, and he has ham or peperamis for snacks. But I’m gradually accumulating workable recipes.
GB , 22 Sep 2005
vegetable curries – indian or thai are easy and delicious my sister does a rather wicked chickpea (tinned) and (frozen)spinach variety with a patak sauce (indian in a jar) which is very handy for no fresh food in the house days. and another friend of mine makes a great veg curry with lots of veg and some pulses and then adds coconut milk (good for using up any stray veggies) both very delicious (and worthy) with brown rice i am very into sharing other recipes if that is something of interest
Maidenhead, GB , 22 Sep 2005
Definitely interested in recipes, so far we have had a chickpea and vegetable casserole; my attempt at recreating the veg chilli I had at Greenbelt; paneer tikka and dahl which was a recipe from the Cranks book; and last night I cheated and bought some falafel from Waitrose which we had with salad and wholemeal pitta bread.
We’ve also done quite well at generally reducing the amount of meat we eat by having more veg and less meat in other dishes.
23 Sep 2005
I’m doing as part of a diet! My wife went onto a Slimmers World diet which has alternate meat free days, so I went on it too. I’ve lost weight but she hasn’t!
04 Oct 2005
I used to be veggie, but I’m not anymore. I’m afraid a couple of things made me cave in. One was going away for a weekend in the Lakes with a group of friends, and going to the only place (of four) that said they did vege food. When we got there, I was offered one dish. No choice. Secondly, at a friends, I realised I missed eating chicken more than the Quorn I was eating. We do eat a lot more vege than meat, mainly because it’s cheaper. Vege chilli’s, casserolle’s, soup’s, stuffed peppers, all sorts of things. I would make curries, but my better half isn’t keen.
AF , 29 Oct 2005
W loves cooking and we have acres of recipes. What is hard is eating 5 fruit or veg a day every day. Also cooking for 1 a veg meal always seems easier than cooking for 2 or more. She finds the endless inclusion of cheese in many dishes hard since she has to avoid it. Eating a vege dish out is easy.
W says like most living generously projects it is down to an act of will to keep to newly formed habits—plus the Grace of God.
Baltimore, US , 31 Oct 2005
Sweet deal I already have this action aced because I am a veggie! Yes!
Darwen, GB , 12 Nov 2005
I would like to become vegetarian. I am doing ethics at college and because of some of the information I have been reading about animal rights or lack of them, I am going to try to stop causing the suffering of animals. I do not know how long I will keep this up, but once all the meat in the house has been eaten, no more will be purchased. If anyone wants to try to alleviate the suffering of animals, stop buying Chicken, pork and beef. Lamb is a little more humane, they are at least free to run around in field for a little while.
Darwen, GB , 12 Nov 2005
I would like to become vegetarian. I am doing ethics at college and because of some of the information I have been reading about animal rights or lack of them, I am going to try to stop causing the suffering of animals. I do not know how long I will keep this up, but once all the meat in the house has been eaten, no more will be purchased. If anyone wants to try to alleviate the suffering of animals, stop buying Chicken, pork and beef. Lamb is a little more humane, they are at least free to run around in field for a little while.
Kilkenny, IE , 08 Dec 2005
I’m afraid I or should I say WE failed miserably at this action….the rows over dinners go on, I will try again in the new year….otherwise known as the long finger!
03 Jan 2006
This should be easy for me as I haven’t eaten red meat for the last 18 years or so, but thinking about it I still eat quite a lot of chicken and fish and it would be good to cut down on that. I think for me this action will also include not eating chicken that has not been produced humanely – I’m quite good at that at home already but I tend not to think about it so much when I’m in restuarants
17 Jan 2006
I have been cutting out meat for the last year, which I feel much better for mentally and physically, although I do still eat fish, which I’m not sure I can manage to completely give up, but I do try to be selective about where it is sourced etc…
Nashville, Tennessee, US , 25 Jan 2006
So many reasons to go vegetarian – I did it 20 some years ago. there is no end to wonderful vegetarian recipes – two of my favorite cookbooks are from the UK! Since I’m the cook, Matt eats veggie, too – even most of the time when we eat out!
AF , 04 Feb 2006
This is getting easier and as it does we are getting more successful at it. Leith’s Vegetarian Cookbook has proved really helpful as an inspiration plus the veg box.
04 Mar 2006
I love meat, but have recently been convinced by the vegetarian argument. I am using this generous action to begin my transition to vegetarianism.
05 Mar 2006
We were looking for something to do for Lent which would mean we would notice we were in Lent and we decided to go vegetarian on weekdays. Five days in we seem to be going vegetarian every day (except for the youngest of us). Feels good to have to think more about what we are going to eat and thanks to some friends with good advice, tastes good so far too.
Reading, GB , 11 Mar 2006
Am already veggie and have been for 20yrs, maybe I could sneakily get my husband more veggie?? If you’re doing veggie curry consider using paneer (an indian cheese). It comes in a packet with a recipe on the back, there are about four different ones. It’s pretty good with spinach,k tomatoes and chick peas in a curry. At the risk if sounding cliched how about lentil burgers?Cook lentils, while they’re boiling fry thinnly chopped mushrooms, garlic and some diced onion. Then when nearly cooked add some pine nuts and fry briefly. Drain lentils well and mix with other stuff. Make into burger shapes and fry. I’ve got one of those frying pans with the circle that goes red when got enough so can actually fry without masses of fat. There are loads of stuffed avacado recipes online too.
Godalming, GB , 12 Mar 2006
We didn’t have meat every day when I grew up and I’ve always had at least one meat free day since. Most weeks we have several. I also buy free range or organic meat fairly often these days.
13 Mar 2006
Can anyone help? i’m not sure how to commit to these actions? I’m doing them anyway, which is what counts really, but i’d like to record it on the website, but when i try to it comes up with error! Agghh…
Cheers
13 Mar 2006
Am doing this as well – It’s amazing how many of these things you can do without feeling generous. Trying to move away from supermarket shopping though and thats more tricky.
17 Mar 2006
We have made a concerted effort on this in our household. In fact, we have turned the tables. We now usually have only one meat day a week, sometimes two. It’s hard to pass on fish at times. We really love it. Living in Seattle there is so much of it to chose from. If we do roast a chicken, it’s organic and free range. It also serves as several meals and makes stock for soup (in turn, making several meals).
18 Mar 2006
I’m new on here, so thought I would comment on the most recent action.
I must admit it’s an easy one for me because I have been a vegetarian for 6 years now.
Milton Keynes, GB , 18 Mar 2006
trying this but not always easy with my littlies.
most popular meat free option for the children (1, 3 and 17) which we have been doing a while is a vegetable and tomato sauce(which we whizz in the processor to make it smooth) and pasta and lots of cheese on top – our children don’t know they are eating carrots and peppers and onions and it is really tasty without having to add anything else like stock or salt. i enjoy veggie options like quorn (although know this is contentious with vegetarians) but makes a nice change from meat.
19 Mar 2006
Like a few others I already eat very little meat, even less in recent months since I have been living with friends who are more consistently meat free than me. I always enjoy eating vegies, and pulses are in the top ten good foods to eat. Brown rice is also very nutritious – I do love it – and it makes a meal more substantial. I will commit to trying to buy organic or free range wherever possible during lent if I do have a ‘chicken’ moment (I haven’t eaten red meat for as long as I can remember…).
Prudhoe, GB , 21 Mar 2006
Very easy for me, as I’ve always been Veggie, as has all my immediate family. Not really a sacrifice, then.
Prudhoe, GB , 21 Mar 2006
Very easy for me, as I’ve always been Veggie, as has all my immediate family. Not really a sacrifice, then.
03 Apr 2006
We normally manage once a week. Last night we had tuna pasta-can I count this? Otherwise I shall be trying a couple of veggie dishes a week. It shouldn’t be too bad as we used to be veggies.
04 Apr 2006
No sacrifice as we have veggie for 25 years so can’t really claim to be generous with this one.
Aberdeen, GB , 06 Jun 2006
Quite a difficult one this as DH is a confirmed carnivore. However, making meals such as macaroni cheese, lentil soup or cauliflower cheese can be slipped in unnoticed. Hopefully I can persuade him to be a bit more adventurous over the coming months!
12 Jun 2006
We are all vegetarian, well except for the cats, and I think I’ll leave them as they are!
18 Jul 2006
We are all vegetarian, well except the cat, he is demi vegan, he gets half meat and half (ami) vegan cat food. http://www.veggiepets.com/
Originally he was going to be 100% vegan, but we are a little unsure now having ready about acidity issues in the vegan diet.
We are now heading towards being vegan, but don’t want the label or the inflexibility when eating out.
22 Aug 2006
Is this one cheating if you’re a vegetarian?
joke
22 Aug 2006
Meat is one of my favourite things in the whole world. We’ve recently been taking the view that if we eat meat less often, we can afford to buy more expensive (read: organic, free-range etc) meat. So not only is it better for the animals, the environment and what’s left of the farming industry, it’s also about 100 times tastier.
Mmmmmmmmmm steak.
bournemouth, GB , 25 Aug 2006
I very much enjoy not eating meat more often than I eat meat. There are so many different things to eat out there- it’s a good challenge for someone who loves to cook too. I like to host people for dinner and serve them a no-meat dinner and suprise them with how good it is.
It also means that when I do eat meat it’s a good treat- a luxury rather than necessesity. This means that I am more likely to buy more expensive meat, such as local, organic or free range from a butchers and know that my meat was treated well when it was an animal.
Egham, GB , 28 Sep 2006
Nice easy one seeing as I’m veggie.
Leicester, GB , 11 Dec 2006
My husband and I have just become vegetarian and it doesn’t make a huge difference to us because we didn’t eat much meat before, but I am aware that we are being troublsesome to our families when we visit them.
Dubai, AE , 10 Jan 2007
we’re absolute carnivores and i’ve gone a max of 3 days without meat once. this will be tough, but we’re gonna give it a go.
Bradford, GB , 18 Jan 2007
this action has just about turned into a week free of meat, and I feel great :-)
Reading, GB , 15 Feb 2007
We’re trying to eat better quality meat (i.e. organic) from more reputable sources (i.e. not nasty value packets). I figure that eating quality sausages is better for you/the world than ‘value’ chicken breasts. We sometimes eat vegetarian by accident but I want to do it more often. I read somewhere about how much energy it takes to create non-meat food compared to meat, it’s staggering and something we all need to take seriously.
22 Jul 2007
This is one I have been meaning to try for ages, but don’t get round to. As a Catholic I should be doing it anyhow! I will comit to this for the 6 week summer holiday, and try and take it on from there
Kingston upon Thames, GB , 03 Aug 2007
Easy one for me – been veggie for almost 17 years and my 2 year old son has been veggie since birth ;)
05 Sep 2007
Slightly more extreme than a meat free day.. my partner and I have agreed upon a ‘smoothie and or soup only day’ once a week and it feels great. We did this initially as one way of getting in to shape before our holidays. We had been making our own smoothies and soup for ages and it seeemd like a great idea. We both feel really good as surely its good to give our digestive systems a break? It really isn’t hard to do… I would recommend it..
Caerphilly, GB , 17 Sep 2007
I’ve been trying to include a vegetarian meal once a week for a while but will now make much more of an effort. I’m currently working on two days a week. I used to be vegetarian a long time ago, but I never quite got the balance right and eventually felt my body needed some meat. I still can’t eat steak, though – I find it much too heavy on the stomach! I must start looking for some new veggie recipes…
28 Sep 2007
Having seen how much water it takes to ‘grow’ a pound of beef mince (50,000 litres), we’ve decided to go meat free in the week (but with growing children, we’re still keeping oily fish on the menu). Feel so much better for it and seem to be slowly losing weight. It also makes me feel less worried about having a nice traditional sunday lunch … Trying to source the meat we do have from farm shops rather than supermarkets too – nice to know who has actually looked after the animals and that they were well looked after too.
17 Dec 2007
Easy for me too – I’m vegetarian and trying to be vegan.
York, GB , 27 Jan 2008
We started doing this a couple of weeks ago and are doing quite well at going veggie on Fridays.
Kingston upon Thames, GB , 05 May 2008
Easy for me too – veggie for over 17 years and my almost 3 year old has been veggie since conception ;)
Perth, GB , 06 May 2008
Hard for me. While I’m happy to eat very little meat, Husband is very keen on it (I suspect he’s borderline anaemic or something). We’re going to start with one meat-free meal a week and work u[ from there.
AF , 14 May 2008
Still doing this – some weeks it is easier than others. Just made veg box weekly so that will really boost progress.
Mind you should make the summer interesting if we get bumper crops from the veg plot as well.
AF , 14 May 2008
Still doing this – some weeks it is easier than others. Just made veg box weekly so that will really boost progress.
Mind you should make the summer interesting if we get bumper crops from the veg plot as well.
22 Feb 2009
Me and partner Steve are both vegan so this one’s easy. I became vegan after meeting Steve so that’s about 15years for me and veggie about 7 years prior to that. Eat with a clear consious and at least go veggie. You’ll feel great and the animals will thanks you for it….they know, you know!
Rotherham, GB , 03 Apr 2009
When I met husband 11 years ago the fact that he was veggie scared me silly but now I have way more than 1 meat free day a week quite happily.
Wellington, GB , 16 Jun 2009
This has been normal for years, and we’ve brought up three huge teenage boys on it. Actually it’s more like alternating meat & non-meat evening meals, and only occasionally having ham, pate or some such in the sandwiches.
I’ve been staying with my parents 2-3 nights a week for almost a year, and have pursuaded them I don’t need so much meat – and it’s probably doing them good too!
But still, I thought it was time to sign up for one of these actions again.
London, GB , 11 Sep 2009
I have to say I rarely think of eating meat now. I have had it occassionally since committing to this action, but find I could have easily fine without it. I have fish more, but will be looking to become more creative in the veg dept and will check out some of the recipe books. I feel a lot better not eating meat.