Los Angeles is a city that’s not exactly known for its pristine environmental record and its unwavering dedication to combating climate change. However, with its ever-expanding concrete jungle, congested highways, and world-renown pollution-filled skyline, L.A. has some obscure priorities regarding going “green.”
On that front, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has decided to push plant-based options. Along for the ride is Mercy for Animals … because when you think of tackling environmental issues, you think of animal activists.
Board Chair Lindsey Horvath claims that the city’s actions will reduce emissions while expanding healthy options and encouraging sustainable practices. For years, L.A. has been trying to say that animal agriculture is the root of the climate issue in a city with one of the largest carbon footprints in the world.
As part of its grand plan, the council will begin promoting vegan diets and buying more vegan foods. The board adopted a motion this week by Horvath and Supervisor Hilda Solis to transition to more plant-based options in its 111 food contracts with hospitals, schools, and other county facilities.
Nothing says “environmental savior,” like forcing dietary restrictions on an entire city.
» Related: Los Angeles has a massive carbon footprint — but makes animal ag its scapegoat
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services says it will be diligently gathering statistics on the foods the government buys. Mercy for Animals said Thursday that it will be helping the Center for Biological Diversity, Greener by Default, and other companies to help hash out the plan.
“As more Americans choose plant-based food for reasons such as health, environmental protection, and animal welfare, public purchasing must reflect this shift,” Leah Garcés, CEO and president of the Los Angeles-based animal rights group Mercy For Animals, told Fox LA.
Back in November 2022, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution supporting the global Plant Based Treaty initiative, which targets animal agriculture practices.
As part of their initiative, the Plant Based Treaty’s global movement hopes to incentivize a plant-based food system and improve people’s health. Meanwhile, federal Dietary Guidelines specifically promote animal-based proteins as part of a complete diet.
But who needs logic and reason when you have virtue signaling and dietary restrictions to lead the cause?
