A report just released by the Ministry of Health encourages plant-based eating as a key strategy for reducing our
national health sector’s carbon footprint.
Sustainability and the Health Sector is all about how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the health sector. The
primary action recommended for food sustainability is to reduce meat and dairy intake. Not only is the production of red
meat in particular very resource intensive, the over-consumption is detrimental to health, with processed meats being
recognised as carcinogenic by the WHO. There are also reports coming out suggesting that cow's milk may also contain
carcinogens. With these in mind, it is hard to continue to defend eating meat and dairy.
The report goes onto suggest that more hospital meals are to be prepared using more plant-based foods. The Vegan Society
Aotearoa would like to congratulate the Ministry of Health on recognising the value of plant-based foods both in health
and sustainability.
“We are delighted that this government agency is committed to addressing the issue of climate change and the
population's health by asking patients, staff and the public to reduce their meat and dairy intake. We fully support
this initiative and are keen to help in any way we can,” said Claire Insley, media spokesperson for the Society. “If
hospitals can start growing their own fruits and vegetables within their grounds or on the roof of buildings, this would
help immensely to curb resource wastage and combat climate change by providing more green spaces, especially within our
cities”
Supporting organic and spray free produce will also support patient's health by reducing the amount of pesticides they
eat. Locally grown produce is also favoured, as is reducing single use plastics. More in house catering will help
hospitals become more sustainable as well as improve patient health by increasing the amount of fresh food eaten.
“It is really good to see these changes being adopted and we hope other public sectors will also follow suit” Insley
continues. “We need strong leadership from all government agencies to ensure that New Zealand meets it's Paris Agreement
targets. We applaud the Ministry of Health for this insightful initiative and look forward to seeing more sectors
joining them”
The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand is here to facilitate a vegan New Zealand and we offer support, advice and
information to all those wishing to increase their plant-based options. You do not have to be ill to go vegan,
prevention is better than cure and if you need some help, why not try our 21 day easy vegan challenge.
More information at www.tryvegan.org.nz Sign on and find out how you can improve your health, reduce your carbon footprint and help save the planet simply by
choosing different things to eat.