The Veg Climate Network (VCN) is a global initiative that will address agricultural-driven climate change through the increased adoption of plant-based food.
One meatless day can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 22%,
we’re on a mission to achieve that locally and globally.
WHY VCN?
The Veg Climate Network (VCN) is a collaboration of not-for-profit plant-based and environmental organizations working together to save the planet, one plate at a time.
Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), as well as deforestation, loss of biodiversity, land degradation, desertification, water consumption and pollution. More than a third of all human-caused GHGs are linked to the way we produce, process and package food. And animal-based food contributes twice the amount of greenhouse gas emissions as plant-based food.
That’s why adopting a more plant-based diet can have a real impact on our efforts to mitigate climate change and restore the planet. In fact, eating just one soy-based plant burger instead of a beef burger saves almost 400 gallons of water and reduces the associated GHG emissions by over 90%!
And the benefits don’t stop there. Eating a more plant-based diet also offers health benefits, including improved heart and kidney health, reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes and helping to maintain a healthy weight.
That is why VCN members are working with partners locally (in the Greater Toronto Area), nationally, and globally to increase the consumption of plant-based foods in public spaces, with an initial focus on public schools.
CURRENT FOCUS AREAS
Creating Change
Developing a strategy and creating resources to encourage public schools to adopt a more plant-based diet through the Meatless Mondays and DefaultVeg programs
Forging Partnerships
Working with like-minded organizations to encourage cities to take action to reduce the negative impact of animal- based foods
Developing Knowledge Base
Developing a knowledge base to help global partners to increase the adoption of a more plant-based diet in their communities
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ABOUT VCN
In 2019, Toronto joined 800 other governments & 11,000 scientists in declaring a climate emergency. As part of the C40, a global network of cities dedicated to halving emissions by 2030, the city has made specific, plant-based commitments but, to date, has not implemented any food-related initiatives.
The Toronto Vegetarian Association (TVA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to inspire people to choose a healthier, greener, more compassionate lifestyle through plant-based eating. Inspired by Kareena, the ten-year old niece of our board president - who had successfully petitioned her junior school to implement a Meatless Monday program - we saw a great opportunity to push for more plant-based options in schools and other public institutions. Thus, the Veg Climate Network (VCN) - a global network of plant-based organizations and stakeholders committed to food-based environmental advocacy - was born.
With both the urgency of responding to the climate crisis and momentum behind plant-based eating growing, we need your support now more than ever! Together we can build the future we want and need – for us, for our children, and for the generations to come.
Since our official launch in 2020 we have succeeded in growing our network to include value-aligned organizations, city officials, teachers/educators, parents and students. Together we hope to drive change within individuals, the community, and institutions by:
1Raising awareness about the environmental impacts of food choices.
2Amplifying the work of other groups and cities that are successfully reducing meat consumption.
3Informing, guiding and enabling stakeholders to increase plant-based options and initiatives.
Mark Simmons
Mark is a proud vegan, a committed climate activist and a TVA Board member.
Nital Jethalal
Nital is a plant-based economist and policy analyst passionate about food systems change. He serves on the Boards of the Toronto Vegetarian Association and the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank.
Joyce Lee
Joyce loves the planet. She is an active mentor for enterprises that are creating social good for the world.
Daniel Martinez
Daniel is a volunteer for the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank. He is also a former member of Ontario Plant-Based Student Association/student leader
Emily Smith
As an academic and writer at heart, Emily (H.BSc) hopes to use her scientific literacy, research and critical thinking skills to help create a more inclusive, compassionate and just world for all through education and community building.
Marly Winckler
Marly is the president and founder of the Brazilian Vegetarian Society, 2003-2015 (now Honorary President). IVU chair.
Rebecca Kovacs
Rebecca is a long-time vegan and advocate for social justice, animals, and the planet. She completed an M.A. in Philosophy and wrote her thesis on animal personhood.
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To inspire, connect and empower others to use more plant-based approaches to safeguard the planet.
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© 2021