The City of West Hollywood has taken a spiritually enlightened step towards harmony with nature by voting in favor of offering plant-based food as the default at all city-sponsored events and meetings.
In a profound move hailed as “groundbreaking” by Mercy For Animals, this new policy seeks to lessen the environmental burden, enhance public health, and alleviate the suffering of animals through mindful food choices. While animal products can still be requested, the default will be compassionate, plant-based fare.
Named “The Plant Based Food Policy for City-Sponsored Events,” this initiative was championed by Vice Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers, in close collaboration with Mercy For Animals, the Center for Biological Diversity, and Greener by Default. Their united efforts highlight a shared vision for a more compassionate and sustainable world.
“Mercy For Animals envisions a shift towards a plant-based food system, and we deeply appreciate Vice Mayor Byers for leading this transformative policy in West Hollywood,” stated Leah Garcés, CEO and president of Mercy For Animals. “As the tide turns towards plant-based diets for the betterment of health, the environment, and animal welfare, Mercy For Animals partners with local governments to reflect this evolution in public purchasing. We commend West Hollywood’s commitment to plant-based nourishment.”
In a world where approximately 92 billion land animals and two trillion fish are sacrificed for food annually, the embrace of plant-based alternatives is a beacon of hope, reducing immeasurable suffering. The policy document from West Hollywood underscores that opting for plant-based foods benefits humanity as well, promoting inclusivity and health.
“Traditional food norms can marginalize individuals with cultural, religious, dietary restrictions, or medical needs,” the document explains. “By defaulting to plant-based options, we extend inclusivity and cater to the 30-50 million Americans who are lactose intolerant.”
Research reveals that adopting a plant-based diet can diminish one’s carbon footprint by about 75 percent. Animal agriculture is responsible for roughly 16.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and is a major cause of deforestation and biodiversity loss.
“Providing plant-based foods by default is a powerful, yet straightforward, approach to fostering healthier and more sustainable eating habits,” the document concludes. “This strategy significantly reduces the water, land, and carbon footprints of catering services.”
Through this spiritually conscious policy, West Hollywood lights the path towards a future where our food choices honor the planet, our health, and the lives of all beings.
A reminder that no one is free until the animals are free, speciesism is the root of all oppression, and all beings deserve dignity and freedom. If you are already vegan, you can also look into how to optimise your communication as a vegan with FYI‘s Vegan Advocacy offering, and Beyond Carnism‘s efficient advocacy programme. If you aren’t vegan yet, you can look into transitioning with Challenge 22, and read Manifesting A Vegan Future with NEO 10Y for a wider philosophical perspective on the power of love energy.