Meat Free Monday: What its supporters say

Monday 15 June 2009 02:25 BST
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'This is something anyone can do, it is a tiny thing with a huge impact. MFM is about us all taking control of the environment we live in for the generations to come. Whether you eat meat or not you can be part of this decision to limit the meat industry destroying our planet's resources.' Stella McCartney, fashion designer

"I love eating meat, but I love our planet even more, so I will join this campaign and stop eating meat at least one day a week." Sir Richard Branson, businessman

“A lot of people are frustrated thinking there is nothing that they can do to change things, but this is something they can do to change things. This is about the environment, so this is about us. Lets do this.” Benjamin Zephaniah, poet

“It takes a lot more land and a lot more water to grow a pound of animal protein, then it does a pound of vegetable protein”. Katherine Hamnett, designer

"Although I am not a vegetarian I support Meat Free Monday because as a society we have no choice but to eat less meat in order to protect our ecology and environment. We can still enjoy meat as an occasional treat and from animals that are well-treated and farmed in a sustainable way." Monty Don, TV presenter, writer and speaker on horticulture

"If everyone stopped eating meat every Monday it could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 200 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year and save tens of millions of hectares of rainforest from being destroyed to grow animal feed. The health benefits are a nice bonus, too." Craig Sams, green entrepreneur

“I think we should all be made aware of how much meat we put into our bodies and the effect that has on the environment. Cutting back on the amount of meat we eat is a good thing, and if it helps the environment then it must be!” Sharleen Spiteri, musician

"In the unlikely event you do miss eating meat just one day a week, your body and the planet won't. Do yourself and the environment a favour." Olivia Harrison, widow of George Harrison

“Just see how easy it will be not to eat meat for one day a week. Just think how the world will benefit from fewer trees being cut to make way for grazing animals. Just imagine how many lives, both animal and human, you will help to save: and join the fab Paul McCartney and millions more, including me, in making Monday a Meat Free day.” Joanna Lumley, actress

"Meat free Monday highlights the importance of sensible and healthy eating - something that's core to your survival. I'm in no doubt that the world would be an infinitely better place to live if we all stopped eating meat. This is a great initiative." John Frieda, hairdresser

"A meat free Monday is a simple and effective way to involve people in helping their environment and also helping themselves to a healthier lifestyle." Siouxsie Sioux, musician

"I first went to the Arctic in 1982, since that time there is one third less pack ice which is a very scary situation. I am happy to support any initative that can help us slow down climate change". David Hempleman-Adams, explorer

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