Monday 15 June 2009 | Campaign Launch | St James's Park, London, England
On Monday 15 June 2009, Sir Paul McCartney launched the Meat Free Mondays campaign at St James's Park in London, urging people to go meat-free one day each week to help cut carbon emissions and slow global warming.
McCartney was joined by his daughters Stella McCartney and Mary McCartney, by Yoko Ono, and by guests including Moby, Kate Bosworth, Kelly Osbourne, and Lauren Laverne.
McCartney's Statement
I think many of us feel helpless in the face of environmental challenges, and it can be hard to know how to sort through the advice about what we can do to make a meaningful contribution to a cleaner, more sustainable, healthier world. Having one designated meat free day a week is actually a meaningful change that everyone can make, that goes to the heart of several important political, environmental and ethical issues all at once.
Paul McCartney
He added: āI thought this was a great idea. To just reduce your meat intake maybe by one day a week and this would seriously benefit the planet. My family have been this way for years ā vegetarians, that is.ā
Yoko Ono's Support
Give up one day and then it will be two days maybe. It's a very, very intelligent idea.
Yoko Ono
The Environmental Case
The campaign drew on a 2006 UN-backed study which found that the livestock industry was responsible for 18% of man's global greenhouse gas emissions, partly because of deforestation in the Amazon.
Campaign Support
Meat Free Mondays was supported by chefs including Giorgio Locatelli and Yotam Ottolenghi, who created vegetarian recipes for the campaign website. Linda McCartney Foods ā the vegetarian food brand founded in memory of Paul's first wife Linda, who died in 1998 ā also promoted the campaign. Restaurant owners including Oliver Peyton committed to highlighting meat-free dishes.
Paul McCartney and Vegetarianism
McCartney has been a committed vegetarian since the late 1970s. Linda McCartney Foods, launched in 1991, became one of the leading vegetarian food ranges in British supermarkets. Stella McCartney is a prominent advocate for sustainable fashion and has never used leather or fur in her designs. The Meat Free Mondays campaign has since grown to supporters in over 40 countries.
Key Facts: 15 June 2009
- Date: Monday 15 June 2009
- Location: St James's Park, London
- Campaign: Meat Free Mondays
- Also present: Yoko Ono, Stella McCartney, Mary McCartney, Moby, Kate Bosworth, Kelly Osbourne, Lauren Laverne
- Chef supporters: Giorgio Locatelli, Yotam Ottolenghi, Oliver Peyton
- Key statistic: Livestock responsible for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions (UN, 2006)
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Paul McCartney launch Meat Free Mondays?
15 June 2009 at St James's Park, London, alongside daughters Stella and Mary McCartney and Yoko Ono.
What is Meat Free Mondays?
A campaign encouraging people to go meat-free one day a week to reduce carbon emissions, fight global hunger, and improve animal welfare. Now active in over 40 countries.
Why did Paul McCartney start Meat Free Mondays?
A 2006 UN study showed livestock responsible for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. McCartney argued reducing meat one day a week was a meaningful, accessible action.
Is Paul McCartney a vegetarian?
Yes ā since the late 1970s. Linda McCartney Foods, launched in 1991, became one of the leading vegetarian food brands in the UK.
Who supported the Meat Free Mondays launch?
Yoko Ono, Moby, Kate Bosworth, Kelly Osbourne, and Lauren Laverne attended. Chefs Giorgio Locatelli and Yotam Ottolenghi created recipes; Oliver Peyton also pledged support.
What is Linda McCartney Foods?
A vegetarian food brand founded in memory of Linda McCartney (died 1998), launched in 1991 and one of the leading vegetarian ranges in British supermarkets.
ā 15 June in Beatles History
ā June in Beatles History
ā Paul McCartney: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
ā The Beatles Knowledge Hub
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