ARRCC’s Meat-Free Day initiative was officially launched on 2nd October, Gandhi’s birthday, with a gesture common in Eastern traditions - the breaking of coconuts.

ARRCC’s Meat-Free Day initiative was officially launched on 2nd October, Gandhi’s birthday, with a gesture common in Eastern traditions - the breaking of coconuts.

The Meat-Free Day encourages Australians to cut the meat out of their diet one day a week, and the launch took place as a part of the UN International Nonviolence Day celebrations in Parramatta Mall.

Annie Walker of the Parramatta Climate Action Network, Parramatta Councillor Prabir Maitra, and ARRCC Executive Officer Greg O’Donnell were speakers on the day, telling the audience of the many environmental, health and social benefits of reducing our meat consumption.  

“If all Australians were to reduce their red meat consumption by one 150 gram serving a week, it would be the greenhouse gas equivalent of taking an eighth of Australia’s cars off the road.  This would be a significant contribution to addressing climate change”, said Mr O’Donnell.  “Animal farming is responsible for about a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions.  With global population and per capita meat consumption rising, it is essential that those of us who consume large quantities of meat, such as Australians, make an effort to cut back.”

Many faith traditions encourage moderation in meat consumption, if not outright abstinence.  Well known examples are Hinduism, Buddhism, and Orthodox Christianity.  All world religions, from their various perspectives, encourage protection of the environment, serving the needs of the poor, kindness towards animals, and healthy living.

The Meat-Free Day initiative has the support of religious leaders and groups across Australia, including the President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, the General Secretary of the NSW Ecumenical Council, the Australian Baha’i Community, and the Chair of the Council of Progressive Rabbis of Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Many thanks to the speakers and to the Gandhi Peace Centre and Bhavan who allowed us to share in their International Nonviolence Day activities.

Information about the Meat-Free Day, faith resources, ideas for places of worship and faith communities, and quotes from religious leaders are available here.

Photos of the launch are here.