MEATOUT DAY

Meatout Day is an international observance encouraging people to start enjoying a wholesome, non-violent diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Meatout Day started in the United States in 1985 and has now become an annual campaign, celebrated and observed in many countries around the world. Meatout Day is co-ordinated each year, on or around 20 March, by the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM), a non-profit public interest organisation. FARM advocates plant-based (vegan) diets to save animals, protect the planet and improve health. Vegan diets (sometimes called strict or pure vegetarian diets) are a subset of vegetarian diets, which are credited with lowering the risk of colon cancer, heart attacks, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, prostate cancer, and strokes. Properly planned vegan diets are healthy and have been found to satisfy nutritional needs. However, poorly planned vegan diets can be low in levels of calcium, iodine, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Vegans are therefore encouraged to plan their diet and take dietary supplements as appropriate. What is the connection between our diet and global warming? Animal agriculture produces more greenhouse gas emissions than cars. Cows raised for beef and dairy, in particular, emit massive amounts of nitrous oxide and methane. And, meat-based diets require 10-20 times as much land as plant-based diets - nearly half of the world's grains and soybeans are fed to animals!

South Africa is joining the global move to encourage people to have one day a week free of meat. It is a small move with a big impact on the environment, on animals, and on health. To find out more about South Africa‘s Meat Free Mondays, visit www.supportmfm.co.za