The Finns don’t do things by halves. Except when it comes to subverting idioms and slashing their dependence on meat and dairy.
In Helsinki, canteens and cafeterias in schools, hospitals, nurseries and other state-run institutions are being instructed to cut the amount of animal produce they buy by 50 per cent. And not only that, but to make up the protein gap with plant-based food. Research by Aalto University suggests the move away from meat and towards meat-free could be an economically beneficial one, saving more than £2.5m a year
As part of the Puolet Parempaa (“Half Better”) initiative, the Finnish capital is committing to halving its reliance on animal products by the end of the decade. Apparently unconcerned with staying on-message in terms of proportionality, the city council opted not to split down the middle on the motion and instead happily voted it through by 57 to 23.
“This decision is about coherence and responsibility,” said Mai Kivelä, the councillor who proposed adopting the Greenpeace initiative. “It does not make sense for a city to fund climate mitigation on one hand while accelerating biodiversity loss and emissions through its food procurement on the other.” Food accounts for a quarter of Finland’s harmful greenhouse gas emissions. She added that the vote was a victory for “climate responsibility, animal welfare and children’s right to a sustainable future”.
The high cost of living is already inspiring many Finns to turn to meat free eating, and Helsinki made the decision five years ago to serve only seasonal vegetarian food at catered events organised by the city. At around the same time, the environmentally minded council voted to cut consumption of meat and dairy by 50 per cent.
Helsinki is likely to be the first of many municipalities to turn a commitment to the Half Better initiative into policy. In elections last year, nearly 300 candidates signed up to the goals of the campaign, meaning more councils are likely to start dialling back on purchases of meat, milk and butter and ramping up on the tofu, oat milk and plant spreads.
And the plant-based repercussions of this world-beating move will hopefully spread further still. With Denmark, South Korea and Switzerland already making great strides, other towns, cities and countries may soon start appreciating how policymaking can help drive a change in habits and diets.