Green Monday will not only benefit animals, but will also play an important part in improving human health and safeguarding the environment by encouraging and empowering local governments, private companies and individuals to decrease their consumption of eggs, meat and dairy products. South Africa is one of the first countries where HSI is introducing the concept.
Early supporters of the campaign include Baboon Matters, Beauty Without Cruelty, Fry's Family Foods, GRASS Consumer Action, Greenpeace Africa, Greyton Transition Town, Hungry Herbivore, Plant Restaurant, Truth Coffee Roasting, SAFCEI and Soil For Life, in addition to celebrities such as Anji Woodley, Armand du Plessis, Braam Malherbe, Chef Kamini Pather, Natalie Becker, Nicole Flint, Siv Ngesi, Stevie French, Tamerin Jardine and Vanessa Haywood.
Says Tozie Zokufa, program manager for HSI South Africa: "Farm animals are often raised in crowded factory farms that pollute the environment, in addition to causing tremendous animal suffering. From land use to water use and water pollution, to greenhouse gas emissions, there are few areas of the environment that aren't affected in some way by animal agriculture. Cutting back on animal-sourced foods once a week can decrease our environmental footprint and help keep us healthy too. Studies show that individuals who eat a balanced plant-based diet, on average, have lower body weights, decreased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers."
Zokufa concludes: "When South Africans sign on to Green Monday, they make a statement about the kind of world they want to live in and leave to their children. That world will be much healthier, cleaner and more humane."
For more information on Green Monday, go to www.greenmonday.co.za.
