West Hollywood’s City Council has endorsed the Plant Based Treaty and is urging US and national governments to swap meat for more sustainable meals.
The City Council for West Hollywood, California, has unanimously voted to endorse the Plant Based Treaty. The council will now urge the US government, along with other national governments, to negotiate a Global Plant Based Treaty.
In a resolution initiated by Vice Mayor Chelsea Byers, the council acknowledged the threat posed by the global climate crisis and the need for “bold and immediate action”. The document notes that plant-based meals have a much lower carbon footprint than animal-based meals, adding that the City of West Hollywood has a history of prioritizing climate action and sustainable food policies. It also mentions the city’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), which is targeting carbon neutrality by 2035. The resolution was successfully passed last week.
Plant-based procurement
Earlier this year, the City Council of West Hollywood passed a separate resolution requiring that plant-based food be served by default at all city-sponsored events where the city provides food to attendees. The policy was described as “a tremendously effective yet simple strategy to support people in consuming healthier and more sustainable foods”.
The policy prioritizes procurement from local businesses where possible, and is supported by educational information in food-serving areas. A factsheet published earlier this year indicates that public procurement policies could be vital in improving the sustainability of the food system.
“Better future”
West Hollywood’s neighbor, the City of Los Angeles, endorsed the Plant Based Treaty in 2022, becoming the largest US city to support the initiative. Elsewhere in the world, several other cities have also endorsed the treaty, including Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Belfast.
“The unanimous passing of the Plant Based Treaty in West Hollywood, a city known for its progressive policies aimed at creating a better future for its constituents and all life on this planet, marks a significant milestone,” said the Plant Based Treaty on social media. “Following their groundbreaking policy of default plant-based food procurement, achieved with Mercy For Animals and Better Food Foundation, we are hopeful to see more plant-based policy initiatives.”
Original source: https://vegconomist.com
https://www.animalagricultureclimatechange.org/cities-plant-based-treaty/
