Around 97% of meat eaters who took part pledged to incorporate more vegetarian and plant-based food into their diets, with over one in three participants (38%) expressing interest in adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet. Collectively the week resulted in carbon emission savings equivalent to one million miles of driving.
The event garnered widespread support across the UK and for the first time the campaign ran in conjunction with Public Sector Catering’s own Plant Based Week, allowing cross-promotion and sharing of key messages.
Richard McIlwain, chief executive of the Vegetarian Society, said: "It’s great to be able to show the tangible impact of collective actions. If 17,000 individuals can save the carbon equivalent of one million miles of driving, imagine what could be possible if many more people swapped out meat for vegetarian and plant-based foods.
“I believe it’s therefore vital that businesses and the public sector respond to this enthusiasm for veggie and plant-based food. In support, the Vegetarian Society’s Cookery School team are offering training and a range of fantastic recipes to help organisations develop great tasting meat-free alternatives for staff and customers.”