The very real and widespread environmental damage caused by large-scale animal agriculture is finally becoming part of the global conversation about reducing our eco-footprint.
Powell River’s Meatless Monday initiative comes at a time when this consciousness is taking hold of mainstream society, and we are thrilled to already be halfway to our goal of engagement with more than 400 people having made a Meatless Monday (or any day) pledge.
As major news outlets like The Guardian, CBC, National Geographic and The Globe and Mail have been reporting on recommendations from respected publications and organizations such as The Lancet, United Nations, Worldwatch Institute and Chatham House, the facts are becoming increasingly difficult to deny or ignore (see the Meatless Monday website to read these reports and articles).
It has never been clearer: we must look at our consumption of meat and animal products as a major factor of our eco footprint. Animal agriculture affects not just greenhouse gas emissions, but also our use of land and water, the depletion of fisheries and rainforests, the pollution of our water, air and soils, and more.
On Friday, May 17, at 6 pm, as part of the Meatless Monday initiative, Climate Action Powell River (CAPR) will be hosting a community screening of the powerful documentary Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret. This film outlines the enormity of this issue, featuring experts such as Michael Pollan, Dr. Richard Oppenlander, Dr. Will Tuttle and Howard Lyman (“The Mad Cowboy”). Although it is a few years old, it is still the most relevant documentary on the topic, and the information in it is just as pressing today.
CAPR encourages everyone to come to the screening and learn why it makes such a difference to reduce their consumption of animal products. The screening will be followed by a Q&A discussion with local health and environmental professionals to discuss the film, and strategies for reducing meat consumption.
This information is empowering, giving us the ability to make a big difference just by making some different choices about the food we put on our plates (and as an added bonus, it’s good for our health, too).
Tickets are free, but because seating is limited, a ticket will be required. Tickets are available at meatlessmondaypr.com.
Anyone interested in knowing more about Climate Action Powell River can attend its annual general meeting on Saturday, May 11, from 2 to 4 pm in the Poplar Room at Powell River Recreation Complex.
Climate Action Powell River Society is a non-profit society committed to helping the residents and businesses of Powell River to reduce their greenhouse gas.
