Veggie Dag: Belgium City Goes Veg for a Day

Thanks for making us aware of this, Mark...and welcome to Greenwala. I really appreciate the lengths that Gent is going to in their quest to reduce their carbon footprint on a weekly basis. It's ambitious in a way (especially if they were to attempt it in US, home of the "where's the beef?" mentality) but it's actually really easy to do if we can all recognize that animal protein isn't necessary or even healthy to consume on a daily basis. For those who find the concept alien, anytime they choose to have a meatless pasta entree or a few slices of pizza, they've achieved the once-a-week veggie goal with no great hardship suffered! Sometimes I think women find it easier to go part-time veggie than men...I know lots of femmes who are still meat eaters and yet often pass 2-3 days a week out of preference rather than in an attempt to make some grand carbon footprint statement. Anyway, one thing I'm wondering (and maybe you can help me answer) is this: if a whole city goes meatless for one day and reduces their carbon footprint by 18%, that's all fine and dandy, but isn't the carbon still being produced as the cattle are waiting in the wings being fattened up? I guess what I'm trying to say is that the INDUSTRY itself still exists...unless demand for their meat products were to drastically reduce, I can't imagine that the 18% reduction in carbon output once a week would really offset the tremendous burden that the entire meat industry places on the ecosystem. Please tell me what you think...and anyone else who reads this please chime in! I know that every little bit helps, but if we really want to make long-term eco-strides, shouldn't the meat industry be completely reassessed?

Great article Mark. Elizah, I look at this as proof that if a government mandated plan is put into action, people are more inclined to go with the program. When left to our own devices, most people choose the easy path....the familiar path. We need to develop as COMMUNITIES in order to truly see the impact our changes can have on the environment. In addition to reducing meat consumption, a 1 day per week plan of action could include mandatory use of mass transportation, cycling, or carpooling to work. We can easily reduce our energy use, as well as reduce the use of fossil fuels and if and when these changes become mandated, we will be more inclined to develop a deep commitment to sustainability.