National Vegetarian Week 2023 saves the equivalent of one million miles of driving!

National Vegetarian Week 2023 saves the equivalent of one million miles of driving!

Over 17,000 people from all corners of the UK signed up to take part in National Vegetarian Week 2023 supported by headline sponsors Cauldron Foods.

The campaign called on participants to swap out meat for vegetarian and plant-based foods, as a means of reducing their individual carbon footprint and the resulting pledges resulted in projected carbon emission savings equivalent to an amazing one million miles of driving.

Furthermore, a 97% of meat eaters who took part pledged to incorporate more vegetarian and plant-based food into their diets, with over a third of participants (38%) expressing interest in adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Richard McIlwain, Chief Executive of the Vegetarian Society, said: “It’s great to be able to show the tangible impact of collective actions. If 17,000 individuals can save the carbon equivalent of one million miles of driving, imagine what could be possible if many more people swapped out meat for vegetarian and plant-based foods. I believe it’s therefore vital that businesses and the public sector respond to this enthusiasm for veggie and plant-based food. In support, the Vegetarian Society’s Cookery School team are offering training and a range of fantastic recipes to help organisations develop great tasting meat-free alternatives for staff and customers.’

The week organised by the Vegetarian Society saw over 17,000 individuals signing up to participate, supported by almost fifty local authorities and a range of businesses. The event garnered widespread support across the UK and for the first time the campaign ran in conjunction with Public Sector Catering’s own Plant Based Week, allowing cross-promotion and sharing of key messages.

ENDS