Did you know that animal agriculture generates 32% of all methane in the atmosphere and is responsible for more worldwide greenhouse gas emissions than all forms of transportation (cars, planes, trains, buses, and ships) combined? Adopting a plant-based or plant-forward diet is one of the single most impactful things that each of us can do to minimize our environmental footprint, and the best part is that we don’t even need to wait for the government to do the right thing! The answer is right on our plates – and in our shopping carts.
Green Newton is pleased to launch the Green Plate Committee, whose mission is to provide education and awareness about the environmental impact of our food systems and to encourage the adoption of more plant-based meals throughout Newton, including in our homes, our schools, and our restaurants. The Green Plate Committee specifically strives to:
- provide information and resources for individuals and groups who are interested in adding more plant-based options to their plates;
assist local restaurants and other businesses interested in adding more plant-based options to their menus and offerings; - offer free, one-on-one plant-based coaching to individuals and restaurant chefs; and
- advocate for our school cafeterias to offer consistent, healthy, plant-based options at all meals.
The Committee looks forward to rolling out these programs over the next few weeks. Also, keep an eye out for the new column, Food for Thought, which will offer information on our programs and also tips on making your meals more plant-forward.
You are invited to check out the Green Plate Committee’s page on the Green Newton website. Are you intrigued? Join the community! Please send an email to GreenPlate@greennewton.org if you have comments on these initiatives or are interested in volunteering with the Green Plate Committee. All are welcome.