The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) will implement a beef ban across campus in an effort to mitigate climate change.
Phoebe Woodruff, a student activist and campus representative for animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), spearheaded the initiative.
“More students than ever are looking to limit their environmental footprint – and cutting out meat, eggs, and dairy is the best and easiest way to do that,” she told The London Economic.
She added, “It’s encouraging to see LSE take a stand to protect animals and the environment. Everyone who wishes to eat with compassion can make the switch to a vegan lifestyle today – it’s never been easier.”
LSE students voted on the initiative during a Students’ Union meeting. It passed by a vote of 243 to 170.
Colleges and Universities Ban Beef
A University of Oxford study shows avoiding meat and dairy is the single biggest way an individual can reduce their environmental impact.
Last year, Goldsmiths College, part of the University of London, banned the sale of beef on campus.
The college’s goal was to become a carbon-neutral institution by 2025.
Goldsmiths also pledged to discourage the use of single-use plastics by adding an upcharge to bottled water and plastic cups. Proceeds from these sales are directed into a “green student initiative fund.”
“Declaring a climate emergency cannot be empty words,” Goldsmiths warden Frances Corner said in the announcement. “I truly believe we face a defining moment in global history and Goldsmiths now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other organizations willing to call the alarm and take urgent action to cut carbon use.“
Beginning in October 2016, the University of Cambridge’s catering service replaced meat with plant-based products.
The university measured its carbon footprint before making the changes during a three-month period in 2015 and again in 2018.
Research showed removing beef and lamb from its menus cut food-related carbon emissions by a third.
The university also changed the way its menus were labeled by listing vegetarian and vegan options before meat items.
The London School of Economics will replace its beef menu items with vegan options.
