globalbriefs


News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.


Meatless Mondays World’s Largest Grassroots Diet Education Blitz Hits March 20


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MEATLESS MONDAYS


The annual global Meatout observance has grown explosively since its inception in 1985, with people in 30 countries and all 50 U.S. states participating last March. The latest U.S. twist in the 2011 Meatout edition will be events aiming to serve vegan food to 10,000 veg-curious passersby and newcomers to veganism as a way to introduce them to the idea of Meatless Mondays. In the United States, national sponsor Farm Animal Reform Movement


(FARM) reports that 30 million Americans have at least explored a meat-free diet, and one in five teens thinks that vegetarianism is “cool.” Major manu- facturers and retailers have come to support the concept by adding meat- and dairy-free meals. Several national fast food chains now offer veggie burgers and some major baseball venues even have veggie ballpark dogs. Meanwhile, na- tional beef and veal consumption are declining, according to the Meatout 2009 International Report.


“Going meatless once a week can reduce your risk of chronic, preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity,” reports the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Center for a Livable Future. “It can also help limit your carbon footprint and save resources like fresh water and fossil fuel.” The average American currently eats eight ounces of meat a day, 45 percent more than the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recommended amount.


For more information, visit Meatout.org.


Earth Hour Show Solidarity by Switching Off Power for an Hour


Worldwide, participating residences, commercial facilities, government buildings and iconic landmarks will all go dark for one hour at 8:30 p.m. (local time) on March 26 to take a stand for conscious stewardship of Earth’s resources. Last year, the lights went out in 4,500 cities in 128 coun- tries. This year, EarthHour.org is also making it possible for participants to share stories online describing what they are doing and planning to do to benefit the environment in the year ahead. Together, our actions add up.


Sign on, form a group event or share an eco-story at EarthHour.org. 8 East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com


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