From Monday 18 October to 24 October, individuals will take on the challenge of going on a zero-meat week as part of the Malta Meat Free Week challenge organized by VeggyMalta.

This is the fourth consecutive year for the challenge. The initiative is aimed at increasing the growing community in Malta of vegans, vegetarians and also flexitarians, people who consume little meat.

“The challenge aims to raise awareness of how easy it is to cut and remove meat products from your life. To eat healthy and wholesome food, ”said Veggy Malta coordinator Darryl Grima.

“This year’s theme is Go One Week Zero Meat – The planet thanks you. The aim is to highlight the direct link between meat and dairy products, and climate change, ”said Grima.

“Choosing to take on the challenge is having a positive impact on climate change, biodiversity loss, animal cruelty and your health. In fact, there are a few things an individual can do that can have as positive an impact on the environment as reducing their consumption of meat. ”

It is estimated that meat and milk production contributes about 14% of the total greenhouse gas emissions generated. This is equivalent to all greenhouse gases generated by all combined means of transport, including cars, airplanes, trains and ships. “This is the reason why a lifestyle change can have such a positive impact,” Grima said.

Malta Meat Free Week has managed to involve various stakeholders from importers and retailers in this common goal. About 20 of the major supermarkets along with a number of online and health stores around Malta and Gozo have chosen to support the initiative and will be offering meat-free products at reduced prices.

Those who join the challenge can register online at www.maltameatfreeweek.com, with a weekend at the Radisson Blu Resort St. Julian’s for two offers as a reward for anyone completing the challenge.

The campaign is sponsored by Alpro and Heinz (vegan mayo) as main sponsor and Sheese (vegan cheese), and Linda McCartney and Birds Eye Green Cuisine (vegan meat alternatives) as sponsors.

“It’s important that people who participate mark maltameatfreeweek on Facebook or Instagram with their photos,” Grima said.

A number of organizations, groups and blogs have supported this initiative including MSPCA, Animal Liberation Malta, Marrow Health, Veg Fund, ProVeg and Cruelty Free Malta.