Founded in 2013 by campaigners Lainie Bracher and Melissa Hobbs, and now run by Bowel Cancer Australia, the popular annual Meat Free Week campaign is fast approaching. With the aim of getting people thinking and talking about meat consumption and production, the campaign has continued to grow in size, and now includes supporters in Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.
Participants are encouraged to skip meat for seven days and raise funds for a great cause such as Bowel Cancer Australia, World Animal Protection, Sustainable Table, Bowel Cancer New Zealand, Colorectal Cancer Canada and also Meat Free Monday!
Sign up to support Meat Free Monday this Meat Free Week.
The latest statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics found that the average Australian now consumes 27.9 kg of pork per year, more than double the 11.7kg in 1975. In addition, Aussies eat around 27.9 kg of beef per person, per year.
Studies conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund show bowel cancer risk increases by 18% per 50 g of processed meat consumed per day. And with 1 large sausage containing 40 g of processed meat and 3 slices of ham containing 70 g, it makes sense to give veggie options a try.
Claire Annear, Bowel Cancer Australia’s National Community Engagement Manager said: “Going meat free for one week creates a fantastic opportunity to get people thinking about how much meat they eat and the impact that consuming too much meat may have.”
Those who are vegetarian or vegan can take part in other ways, such as by hosting a meat free dinner party or night out at a veggie cafe.