Cambridge students voted for completely vegan menus: what the university will do

The prestigious University of Cambridgein the United Kingdom, you may be preparing for a big change on your campuses. Far from being linked to the academic proposal, on this occasion, the modification concerns the menus offered in the establishment’s canteens.

Continuation of the campaign Plant-Based Universitiespromoted by the environmental group Extinction Rebellion and its branch animal rebellionthis Tuesday, an investigation was carried out which revealed that 72% of university student representatives want animal-free food proposals.

The survey emerged as a way to responsibly address the “biodiversity and climate crisis” facing the planet and in line with the trend of “100% plant life” that the organization promotes.

Despite the overwhelming result obtained in the investigation, no decision has yet been made, but it served as a step to start conversations towards more sustainable options. The final decision rests with the University and there is also no guarantee that this change will apply directly to Cambridge’s 31 colleges.

In any case, from the NGO, they are convinced that their campaign has left “an extremely strong mandate for universities to begin the transition to 100% vegetable menus”. Will Smithfrom the Cambridge branch of the campaign, thinks “it’s great that the Cambridge Students’ Union has endorsed our motion to work towards a system of restoration fair and sustainable plant-based.

In this sense, he pointed out that if the University eliminates animal products from its meals, could dramatically reduce its environmental impact and even use that fact to “show the world its commitment to sustainability”.

For their part, Cambridge managers have been open to receiving the results of the survey and acting on it and in accordance with their students’ preferences. A spokesperson commented that “they always welcome suggestions from students and staff” and added that they have “a sustainable food policy” for which they have been fighting for years “Actively promote plant-based options, remove unsustainable fish from the menu and reduce food waste.”

A clear example of this is the change introduced in 2016For who the offer of beef and lamb dishes has been completely suspended in all cafes of the Campus Catering Service.

In collaboration with Cambridge, the Students’ Union of the University of Oxford joined the Campaign and voted, 2020there ban on these meats on campus although some cafes still serve them.

Plant-Based Universities is a nationwide, student-led initiative, with the support of student unions, to pressure the leaders of these institutions to adopt a restoration Made with only natural, animal-free foods. It already has branches in more than 40 universities.

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