The University of Manchester’s Sustainable Consumption Institute (SCI) has joined Meat Free Monday. One of the UK’s leading environmental research bodies is working with colleagues across campus to offer a majority of meat-free meals on Mondays across catered halls, and is promoting it further with a forthcoming online recipe book written by staff and students.
Last month the SCI ran two events to raise awareness of MFM, setting up a stand in the foyer of its main building where people could learn about the benefits of a reduced-meat diet. Meat Free Monday also has the support of the University of Manchester Students Union, catering services, residences and Environmental Sustainability team.
FoodonCampus, which operates 26 eateries, coffee shops and cafes across the university campus, also promotes MFM, and the Green Guide given to new students explains the benefits of a day without meat, and encourages those living in self-catered halls to give it a try.
“The Sustainable Consumption Institute encourages staff and students to think about the sustainability of the food they eat, and to play their part in reducing carbon emission associated with meat production,” says Lynda McIntosh, the SCI’s communications and marketing manager. “Cutting back on dairy and meat consumption one day per week and supporting the Meat Free Monday campaign is a simple way for everyone to do their part for the environment.”
The SCI was set up by the University of Manchester in 2007 to look into issues around environmental sustainability and consumption. Recent reports include What’s Cooking? Adaptation and Mitigation in the UK Food System, which looks at how climate change will impact on the food we eat, and how food production is contributing to climate change.
What’s Cooking? Adaptation and Mitigation in the UK Food System is free to download here.