Established in 2013, No Meat May is an Australian registered charity that challenges people to eliminate meat from their diets for 31 days. There are four big reasons to get involved; human health, animals, the environment, and food security.
Bringing people together to discover incredible food from all around the world, No Meat May’s mission is to inspire and support more people to shift to plant-rich eating, so we can build a healthier, kinder, more sustainable world.
In terms of human health, it’s been established for some time that the best way to prevent chronic disease and enjoy multiple health benefits is to consume a broad mix of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and legumes, while minimising animal products.
Most plant food sources are lower in saturated fat, free of cholesterol, and higher in fibre than non-vegan alternatives. Plants are also great sources of antioxidants and phytonutrients, all of which contribute to reducing disease risk.
Unnecessary cruelty
Speaking of animals, the cruelty and waste associated with factory farming in particular is a big price our fellow creatures continue to pay for us to be able to eat meat, eggs and dairy products, none of which are necessary in the great majority of cases for building healthy humans.
Cruelty laws that protect pets and dogs specifically exclude farmed animals from similar protections. There’s a reason why factory farming operations strongly resist scrutiny of their operations.
As Paul McCartney put it, ‘If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian.’
Less meat and animal products also mean less greenhouse gas emissions, less deforestation, less species extinction on land and sea, reduced poisonous effluent, and reduced water use.
In terms of food security, as there are more humans on the planet, non-vegan eating is becoming increasingly untenable, because the resources required to raise animals and process them into food products is significantly higher than the resources to produce most plant-based foods.
Animal-based foods are a form of redistribution that increases food scarcity and political instability, especially in low income countries.
Land which could be used for growing more efficient crops, or left to draw down carbon and support critical ecosystems are instead used to produce more animal products, which mostly go to the world’s most privileged people.
Yummy alternatives
Fortunately, none of this is necessary! No Meat May emphasises the glorious alternatives options of plant-based food, with recipes and ideas all month that combine nutrition with great taste.
You can find out more and get involved here.
Short video about No Meat May below:
