Meat Free Monday One day a week can make a world of difference
Meat Free Monday One day a week can make a world of difference

Meat Free Monday
For animals, people and planet

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Having at least one plant-based day a week is a fun and easy way to do something good for the planet and our future.

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It can take 30 bathtubs of water to produce just one beefburger

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An area of rainforest the size of a hundred football pitches is cut down every hour to create room for grazing cattle

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Almost a third of all land on Earth is used for livestock production

Newsflash

What's in season?

Stinging nettles

Springtime foraging is made all the more exciting with the abundance of stinging nettles in fields and forests. However, it’s essential to go prepared with a pair of scissors and gloves to avoid painful stings! They can be used in delicious and nourishing sauces, soups, pies, pestos and casseroles.

New potatoes

New potatoes are freshly harvested young potatoes which keep their shape once cooked and cut. There’s no need to peel new potatoes – just rinse away any dirt, bring to the boil in lightly salted water and simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

Asparagus

Touted as a superfood, as well as an aphrodisiac, asparagus has long been considered a delicacy and is at its best in spring. Loaded with nutrients and low in calories (less than four kcal per average spear), asparagus can be boiled, steamed, grilled, fried and roasted.

Strawberries

Strawberries are naturally anti-inflammatory and packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, strawberries can help repair damaged skin by strengthening collagen. They are also high in fibre for heart and digestive health.

Bananas

While bananas aren’t grown in the UK, they have a relatively small carbon footprint because they’re cultivated in natural sunlight, transported by boat and there’s hardly any packaging involved!

Watercress

Grown in water (the clue’s in the name!), watercress’ slightly bitter, peppery flavour can give salads a kick in a similar way to rocket, while its elegant little leaves can garnish a curry or savoury pancake in style!

Peppers

Packed with vitamins A and C, peppers can be enjoyed raw in salads, used as a pizza topping, stuffed, roasted, and cooked in stir fries, ratatouilles, soups, sauces and stews.

Jeff Beck

Why are they cutting down the rainforest?

In 1994, Jeff Beck got together with Paul McCartney in the studio to record an environmental message. It opened with the words, “Why are they cutting down the rainforest?”.
Environmental messages

A little help from our friends

“We know that this is THE most important thing we can do to save our earth, and it’s also the best thing we can do for our health. Plus it’s so yummy! Join me on this adventure of plant-based living and please be meat-free Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and if you can only do Monday we’ll be OK with that too. The more the merrier, thank you!”

— Alicia Silverstone

“Try it, you might like it … and the planet definitely will appreciate it.”

— Woody Harrelson

“I grew up in the ‘meat and two veg’ era but there’s so much more choice now in terms of plant-based food – it’s far more exciting on the plate! I’m consciously reducing how much meat I eat, and that’s no bad thing for the planet and all of us living on it.”

— Ainsley Harriott

“Meat Free Monday is a simple idea which makes so much sense! By not eating meat at least one day a week we help the environment, save animals and improve our health. Try it, get your friends and family to try it and why not encourage your school to try it too?”

— Fearne Cotton

“Meat Free Mondays is a great idea though I live meat free every day. Being vegetarian is good for your body, good for the planet and a peace and loving thing to do.”

— Ringo Starr

“Thank you for inspiring the way I live my life now. Even if you’re not veggie, vegan or plant-based, reducing our meat and dairy consumption, even for just one day a week, has a positive impact on our planet, the animals we share it with and our own personal health.”

— Gabrielle Aplin

“I believe meat has so many toxins in it that your body never really manages to get rid of it. People believe that you have to have protein and bulk to give you energy, but fruit and vegetables are full of health. Your body processes these efficiently so they do the maximum good for you. You feel so well, light, supple, and full of energy.”

— Vivienne Westwood

“It’s a great initiative and an opportunity for us to really reduce meat consumption that not only saves our lives but saves our planet. Let’s continue to move towards a Meat Free Monday!”

— Eric Adams

A win-win situation

Good for you, good for the planet

With enough of us taking this small step, we can significantly reduce our impact on the earth - and boost our health at the same time.
Why it matters

Mushroom Beanballs in Tomato Sauce

  • Preparation: 15
  • Cooking: 30
  • Ready: 45
  • Serves: 4

Delicious recipes

Good for your taste buds

Meat free is mainstream! And the result is flavourful, imaginative and exciting plant-based food. Why not give it a try?
View recipes

One Day a Week

Featuring the McCartney family, Woody Harrelson and Emma Stone, this documentary short highlights the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
Find out more

meatfreemonday

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Making a difference – for animals, people and planet – starting with a Monday. 🌱

Meat Free Monday

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May 24

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🌿🌱 Now is the perfect time to enjoy fresh green produce – check out some recipes on our website incorporating tasty spring vegetables like asparagus, watercress, wild garlic and spring greens! #linkinbio 🌱🌿

🌿🌱 Now is the perfect time to enjoy fresh green produce – check out some recipes on our website incorporating tasty spring vegetables like asparagus, watercress, wild garlic and spring greens! #linkinbio 🌱🌿 ...

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meatfreemonday

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May 18

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Peak strawberry season is fast approaching! How do you enjoy this berry tasty little red fruit? 🍓🍓🍓 Did you know that strawberries are naturally anti-inflammatory, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, and can help repair damaged skin by strengthening collagen? They’re also high in fibre so good for heart and digestive health. 💚

Peak strawberry season is fast approaching! How do you enjoy this berry tasty little red fruit? 🍓🍓🍓

Did you know that strawberries are naturally anti-inflammatory, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, and can help repair damaged skin by strengthening collagen? They’re also high in fibre so good for heart and digestive health. 💚 ...

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Merchandise

Check out our signature collection – T-shirts, jumpers, hoodies and tote bags – printed on certified organic cotton!
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What's your beef?

Around 60% of the world’s agricultural land is used for beef production, yet beef produces less than 2% of the world's calories.

Why it matters Impact calculator

Featured film

Cow

People support Meat Free Monday for many reasons, including reducing carbon emissions and eating more healthily. But let’s not forget the animals. Andrea Arnold’s 2021 documentary ‘Cow’ provides a unique opportunity to look at life through the eyes of a dairy cow called Luma.
Find out more

Supporting businesses

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See the difference you can make

Calculate how you can have a positive impact by eating less meat and dairy ...
Participating people
Meat free days a week
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About

Meat Free Monday is a not-for-profit campaign launched by Paul, Mary and Stella McCartney.
About MFM

#MFMCountMeIn

I've been getting my family to go meatless at least 3 times a week. It's healthier for everyone and better for the planet.

Vickie

#MFMCountMeIn

Meat Free Monday has given me the opportunity to educate myself on foods that I would not have usually have eaten before.

George

#MFMCountMeIn

It keeps me creative in the kitchen, and I am helping reduce my impact.

Rebecca

#MFMCountMeIn

Previously dinner planning always started with ‘what meat’, and the rest of the meal was built around it. Meat Free Monday helps change that mindset.

Kristina

#MFMCountMeIn

Meat Free Monday is a great initiative to encourage people to have a healthier diet, save animals and the planet for at least once a week.

Geraldine

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