North Tyneside Council has called for it to reduce its food carbon footprint

North Tyneside Council has been urged to cut food-related carbon emissions and honor its climate emergency declaration.

The heads of local authorities were called to approve the “Plant-Based Treaty” at the full council meeting. The treaty commits to improving access to plant-based food, subsidizing land restoration and running education programs in schools around meat and dairy production.

Councils in Edinburgh, Norwich and Lambeth are already signed up and have started carbon labeling food in schools, as well as setting up plant-based cooking classes and promoting Veganuary. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, about 14% of all emissions come from meat and dairy production.

The appeal, in the form of a public question to the council, says: “North Tyneside Council has boldly declared a climate emergency in 2019. And your Carbon Net Zero Action Plan is ambitious but lacks sufficient focus on food emissions. Page 13 of the Plan states that “The Authority provides a wide range of healthy balanced meal options in schools and operational buildings, which includes meat-free options”. But can you go much further?”

It concludes: “Will this council boldly confront the climate and health crises by endorsing the Plant-Based Treaty?”

Green Party campaigner and former parliamentary candidate for Tynemouth, Chloe-Louise Reilly, said: “I encourage our local council to endorse the Plant Based Treaty as it aligns with a shared commitment to environmental protection, public health and a sustainable planet.” .

Chloe-Louise concluded: “For North Tyneside Council, a key part of these commitments also involves educating the public about the benefits and practicalities of incorporating plant-based options into our everyday lives. But it’s also worth noting that this initiative isn’t about “making everyone go vegan.” Rather, it’s about diversifying our diets to include more plant-based meals.”