UK Hospitals Drop Meat From Menus

Of course nobody wants to get sick or injured when traveling, but if you’re a vegetarian and an accident happens, make sure it’s in the UK.  That’s because all public hospitals in the UK are proposing to start offering meat-free menus as part of a National Health Service plan to curb the carbon emissions that cause climate change.  Although meat options will still be available, staff members will encourage patients to choose healthy meat-free meal choices. 

Patients could see similar options in the United States and around the globe as well.  Hospitals associated with UK’s National Health Service (NHS) account for 3 percent of all emissions in England, with one-fifth of the emissions coming from drugs, medical equipment, and food. The new NHS campaign, called “Saving Carbon, Improving Health” is expected to lower emissions by 80 percent by 2050.  

These hospitals should be seriously applauded for taking action in the fight against global warming (not to mention cruelty to animals).  Raising animals for food is the world’s leading cause of carbon dioxide emissions, so cutting out meat from their menus will definitely make a huge difference.

Other changes hospitals will be making as part of the overall plan will also help slash emissions- as well as hospital costs. The NHS plans to encourage staff to drink less bottled water, have more phone-in surgeries, participate in one-use item recycling programs, and promote walking, carpooling, and public transportation for visitors and patients. Staff members may also be able to work from home more often and participate in incentive programs for departments that cut costs on energy.