GHENT, BELGIUM, May 2009: The Belgian city of Ghent is about to become the first in the world to go vegetarian at least once a week. [HPI note: of course, many Indian towns and maybe cities are completely vegetarian all the time following their tradition, religion and culture. But Ghent is making an effort toward vegetarianism while immersed in a western context.]Starting this week there will be a regular weekly meatless day, in which civil servants and elected councillors will opt for vegetarian meals.
Ghent means to recognise the impact of livestock on the environment. The UN says livestock is responsible for nearly one-fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions, hence Ghent’s declaration of a weekly “veggie day”.
Public officials and politicians will be the first to give up meat for a day. Schoolchildren will follow suit with their own veggie day in September. It is hoped the move will cut Ghent’s environmental footprint and help tackle obesity.
Source:BBC
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