Go Meatless on Monday

​Meatless Monday was founded in 2003 and is part of the Healthy Monday initiative, which encourages Americans to make healthier decisions at the start of every week.

Go Meatless on Monday?
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

You have probably heard of Meatless Monday.  If not, let me give a little background.............  Meatless Monday is a non-profit initiative of The Monday Campaigns Inc. in association with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for a Livable Future.  Meatless Monday was founded in 2003 and is part of the Healthy Monday initiative, which encourages Americans to make healthier decisions at the start of every week.
 
Why Monday?
Friday is traditionally a meat-free day among certain religions.  Monday is typically the beginning of the work week when most people get back into their weekly routine.  
 
The Reason
With the world population estimated to reach 10 billion by 2050, the current approach to food production is no longer viable.  Research studies show that a reliance on animal products like dairy, beef, pork, and poultry is damaging the environment and negatively impacting personal health.  Yes, these are serious issues, but Meatless Monday can be part of the solution to tackle this global problem.  Need motivation?............... READ ON!
 
Animal products - eating animal products has scientifically been proven that it increases a multitude of metabolic and chronic health problems.  Cutting out meat even for one day a week will improve your well-being:

• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Reduce the probability of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Reduce chances of having a stroke.
• Protect your kidneys.
• Sustain a healthy weight.

 
Save the environment – there is an indivisible link between livestock production and environmental degradation.  Reduction in the consumption of animal products can help stall the destruction of our oceans, forests, and atmosphere.  Enjoying plant-based meals can help address climate issues, including:

• Forests are cleared for livestock production.
• Animal feed production requires intensive use of water, fertilizer, pesticides, and fossil fuels.
• Animal waste is a leading factor in the pollution of land and water resources.
• Beef, pork, and poultry emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, methane, and other harmful greenhouse gases.
• Livestock production uses 75% of the earth's agricultural land.
• Industrial livestock production displaces small, rural producers.
• A quarter pound of beef requires 425 gallons of water to produce (enough to fill 6,800 glasses of fresh drinking water).
• Livestock manure can contain a variety of pathogens, such as coli, growth hormones, and antibiotics.
• Livestock waste streams contaminate drinking water and groundwater.

 
Plant-based products - feel good about the food you eat while saving money.  Have an abundance of delicious high-protein plant-based meals and dressings to satisfy cravings.

• It provides an opportunity to explore new menus.  There are so many fruits, vegetables, and grains to choose from, every Meatless Monday meal can be a new culinary adventure.