Remus Cernea served as a Romanian Member of Parliament between 2012 and 2016, when he helped to pass several environmental and animal rights laws, such as the law to ban the use of animals in circuses, which after more than three years of campaigning was passed by a parliament which was previously hostile to the idea.
Society
Politicians Give Rallying Support to Million Dollar Vegan Campaign
With the latest scientific evidence showing the devastating effects of industrial livestock on our planet and the environment, 40 MEPs have declared their support for the Million Dollar Vegan Campaign. The campaign calls for the public to eat vegan food during the 40-day Lent to combat climate change, species extinction, pollution and the suffering of livestock. The declaration was signed by MEPs from 17 EU Member States and seven of the eight political groups in the European Parliament, coordinated by German MEP Stefan Eck.
Newly Founded “Plant-Based Product Council” Advocates Sustainable Products and Packaging
The Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) is a new association of companies and environmental leaders committed to sustainable products and packaging made from plant materials. The PBPC was founded at the California Bioresource Economy Summit in California, with the goal of promoting the use of sustainable products made from renewable biomass to protect the environment.
Vegan Politician Will Run For President
American politician Cory Booker is a Senator from New Jersey, in office since 2013 who previously held the role of Mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013, and is currently one of the most prominent Democrats in New Jersey. This morning, Sen. Booker announced that he will stand for the 2020 presidency.
World Economic Forum White Paper: “Plant-based Meat Alternatives Could Save Lives”
The World Economic Forum has released a new report, detailing the urgency of “integrating more plant-based protein alternatives into the world’s diet in order to significantly improve human health and environmental sustainability.”
Canada Food Guide to Focus on Plant-Based Foods
The complete overhaul of Canada Food Guide is expected to be released soon, suggesting Canadians should consume more plant-based foods.
The Vegan Lodge: A Vegan and Sustainable Tourism Concept
The Vegan Lodge Olympos is a new tourist resort in Turkey specializing in vegan holidays. The resort, with its slogan “Holiday in a different way”, wants to take a pioneering role by implementing a holistic concept for sustainable tourism. The Vegan Lodge will open its doors on March 8th 2019.
Scandinavian Airlines Trials Vegan Menu Option on 4,000 Flights
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has recently introduced a vegan menu option on its 4000 flights for testing purposes. The new dish is based on Nordic ingredients, and will be on the airline’s menu for two weeks.
Germany’s Hotel and Catering Industry Still has a lot of Untapped Vegan Development Potential
Vegconomist has long been following and reporting on vegan trends in the hotel and restaurant industry around the globe. The vegan trend has also long arrived in the German hotel and catering scene, and is becoming increasingly popular. Recently, we asked the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA Federal Association) about the current situation in Germany.
Former Irish President Calls for Veganism
A former Irish president, Mary Robinson, recently called for people to adopt vegan lifestyle in order to combat climate change. She received backlash for her comments and was asked to retract them, however she has stood by her words and refused to apologise.
France: Authorities Question Online Retailers Over “Banned” Product Names
Vegconomist reported some time ago on the legal developments in France regarding the debate over the correct labelling of vegan foods. The French Parliament had passed a new and controversial law banning the use of meat-like terms for plant-based alternatives. Recently, we received a report from the online retailer boutique vegan [offline], against which the French authorities now intend to take action despite the uncertain situation.
No-deal Brexit to Trigger Meat Shortages in UK
The Guardian reported yesterday that one of the UK’s largest food suppliers suggests a no-deal Brexit, which is currently a real possibility due to a lack of political agreement both within the UK and with the EU, would lead to meat shortages like those seen during the world wars. In order to help avoid this, Bidfood UK have spoken with customers about switching to meat-free dishes as an alternative.
Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods Awarded UN’s Champions of the Earth Award
On the 26th September, The UN announced the winners of their Champions of the Earth Awards, which is their highest environmental honor, presented to six outstanding environmental changemakers whose achievements are recognised in categories including Policy Leadership, Entrepreneurial Vision, Science and Innovation, Inspiration and Action, and Lifetime Achievement.
World Resources Institute Launches Global Food and Climate Initiative
At the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco, ten food companies who together distribute over 60 million meals per year, have launched an initiative called the Cool Food Pledge, with the aim of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2030, and the objective of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius.
New Organisation Founded: Plant-Based Foods of Canada
It was announced this Monday that members of Canadian plant-based industries have united to form the Plant-Based Foods of Canada (PBFC), to support and assist the interests of vegan food companies throughout the country. The PBFC consists of key representatives of “food companies that make and market plant-based products that are part of a combination of or are the main source of proteins by a growing number of Canadians.”