Bristol University students are rallying for a meat-free campus. The university’s student body has voted in favour of sustainable plant-based catering on campus as a measure to combat the climate crisis. Bristol Live readers say that people should be given a choice.
The Plant-Based Universities campaign has garnered support from hundreds of scientists and notable public figures, including Chris Packham, Dale Vince, Etienne Stott, George Monbiot, and Dr Hannah Ritchie. A significant number of academics from Bristol endorsed an open letter in late 2023 advocating for 100% plant-based university catering.
A representative for the University of Bristol stated: “Food on our campus is procured from ethical and sustainable sources, and we aim to cater for a variety of dietary requirements. In collaboration with our students we have developed a range of plant-forward menus and statistics show that the carbon footprint of our meals is significantly below the UK average. Plant-Based Universities are an international network of students who are campaigning for their universities and student unions to adopt 100% plant-based catering.
The group believes that universities should follow the scientific research that they produce on the environmental impacts of animal farming and fishing.
Commenter As578 says: “I don’t eat meat and I find this not okay. Some people have to have meat and diets for health reasons. These are the ones who make it look bad. If a handful of people ate 1-2 meals a week veggie/vegan it would make a bigger impact than making one person do it 24/7.”
Katiem agrees: “People have a right to choose. A vegan diet uses a lot of water and other resources from elsewhere in the world. Importing food uses oil. We should be self reliant on home produced food.”
Gilvin adds: “Highly processed food, we are told, is not good for us and yet much of the plant based food is highly processed.”
Pointer2null says: “Yes, it’s an unhealthy highly processed slop full of fat, salt and sugar. Go for a real steak any day.”
Annabellatitsellina points out: “Humanity needs to eat meat to get the amino acids needed for the body to repair musculature. Our teeth are those of omnivores. Also are the vegan/vegetarian members of the population aware that it has been discovered that plants feel pain and communicate with one another? What we need is to return to the small farm, instead of these huge factory farms, so that the animals receive better care.”
Berklicker agrees: “Maybe these people should go to the library and read how our ancient ancestors became a more progressive species through eating meat and fish which stimulates brain growth. Humans are omnivores.”
Windyfishface asks: “What climate crisis? We have politicians jetting off around the world multiple times a week! If there truly was a climate crisis we would make things at home and stop importing plastic tat from China. We would make this country energy self-sufficient along with food too! We would shop at local shops instead of our £1 milkshake travelling miles by courier!! With regard to food, let people choose what they want to eat. People will vote with their wallet and feet! if it’s meat so be it, if it’s veg or vegan that’s their decision but don’t enforce your ideologies on others!”
Richardoo believes: “It will make a lot of students go elsewhere, so they don’t have to worry about where they are going to get decent brain food. University is supposed to be diverse and an opportunity to share knowledge, not force beliefs upon them.”
Bmw agrees: “They should ask these demonstrators to leave the university. All students should have the choice and if these anti-meat students are abusing their status then they should leave.”
How do you feel about a meat free campus? Good for the environment or a removal of choice? Have your say in our comments section.