Press Release: 'National Vegetarian Week' kicks off with the UK's first vegetarian zoo.

National Vegetarian Week kicks off across the UK on 15th May with companies and communities coming together to promote the environmental benefits of plant-based foods. The annual week-long celebration of meat-free eating is organised by the National Vegetarian Society. This year’s event is focusing primarily on how moving towards a diet which eliminates meat products, which tend to have a larger carbon footprint then plant-based alternatives, can contribute towards combatting a ‘climate crisis.’?

Businesses across Scotland have already thrown their support behind the campaign, with Fife Zoo in Cupar, Ladybank becoming the first UK zoo to move towards a completely meat-free food offering for visitors. The zoo has embraced the ethos of the campaign to offer visitors ‘Coronation Chickpea’ sandwiches and vegetarian bacon as meat alternatives, with a full vegetarian brunch menu being launched at the start of May.?

Fife Zoo director, Michael Knight said, ‘’As a forward thinking. modern zoo we are committed to doing our bit to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard the planet from an impending climate crisis. Our food offering to guests is now fully vegetarian with meat substitutes taking the place of meat in our menu. The feedback from customers has been really positive and our meat usage now only consists of the essentials required to maintain animal welfare.’’?

The United Kingdom’s official food strategy suggests that the UK should aim to eat 30% less meat by 2030, which equates to people who eat meat eliminating meat products from their diet on just two days per week.?

Richard McIlwain , Chief Executive of the The Vegetarian Society said, “In 2022’s campaign, we inspired people to switch over 70,000 meat-based meals for veggie and plant-based dishes, saving over 100 tons of carbon, equivalent to the emissions released by driving a car around the earth’s equator over 16 times!’’?

National Vegetarian Week takes place from Monday 15th May 2023 to Sunday 21st May 2023 inclusive.?

Press enquiries to Martin Blyth-Sweetingham at [email protected] or 07837 023 449?