West Hollywood introduces “groundbreaking” plant-based policy
The city will serve plant-based foods by default at city-sponsored events and meetings.
The City of West Hollywood has announced a “groundbreaking” plant-based policy that its supporters say will help animals, humans and the planet.
Led by Vice Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers, the city’s new policy requires that plant-based food and drink be served as the default option at city-sponsored events and meetings. Animal products will still be permitted at such events, but will be made available only when specifically requested.
The move is part of an increasing trend of vegan-by-default policies which aim to lower the consumption of meat and dairy products by making simple swaps to encourage healthier and more sustainable plant-based food choices.
Scientific studies have repeatedly shown that cutting down the amount of meat and dairy in our diets can make a big difference to our personal carbon footprint. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) estimates that 14.5 percent of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are due to livestock farming.
Animal advocacy group Mercy For Animals worked closely with the city to develop the new policy, and described it as a “groundbreaking” resolution that will help address climate change and reduce animal suffering.
“Mercy For Animals calls for a shift to a plant-based food system, so we greatly appreciate Vice Mayor Byers for championing this policy change in West Hollywood,” said Mercy For Animals CEO and president Leah Garcés. “As more people choose plant-based food for their health, the environment and animals, Mercy For Animals works with local governments so that public purchasing reflects this shift.”
Earlier this year, the group also worked on similar legislation with Los Angeles County, which passed a motion to require all new food purchases by county-run facilities to be plant-based by default.
"This action will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and food waste, and expand healthy food options at county facilities - all meaningful wins as we continue to lead on sustainable practices,” said Los Angeles County’s Board Chair Lindsey Horvath at the time.
“Transforming food systems is essential”
Swapping carbon-intensive meat and dairy products for more sustainable plant-based food is scientifically proven to help reduce the food system’s impact on the planet. Plant-based swaps can also play a key role in improving public health too.
At this year’s climate conference COP28, the World Health Organization called for a global shift towards a plant-based diet, and pointed out that the current food system is harming the health of people and the planet.
“Food systems contribute to over 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and account for almost one third of the global burden of disease,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General. “Transforming food systems is therefore essential.”
In fact, WHO estimates that a “shift towards healthier, diversified, and more plant-based diets” could collectively save 8 million lives per year.
West Hollywood among those leading the way
Mercy for Animals’ work with the City of West Hollywood and Los Angeles County shows that some governments in the US are already working on increasing the consumption of plant-based foods.
Global efforts are going even further, too. Denmark recently became the first country in the world to launch a national roadmap to make the country’s food system more plant-based.
The Danish government’s 40-page Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods was introduced late last year, and explores how to help increase the uptake of plant-based foods by transforming the many stages of food production. The plan is expected to influence other EU countries to establish their own plant-forward strategies, particularly in the latter half of 2025 when Denmark will preside over the European Council.
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