The University of Stirling student union is set to make history
…as the first Scottish university to go fully plant-based by 2025! This trailblazing move will see the university transition to ‘100% plant-based catering’ within two years. By the start of the 2023-24 academic year, half of the menu at the union’s three cafes will be vegan.
This bold plan, voted by the student union earlier this month, is an attempt to tackle the climate crisis and align the university with the values of sustainability and compassion.
The motion to go plant-based was put forward by the Plant-Based Universities (PBU) campaign, a student movement supported by activist collective Animal Rising. PBU has been on a mission to inspire academic institutions worldwide to adopt plant-based food policies and contribute to a healthier planet and its inhabitants.
With a focus on promoting the benefits of plant-based diets for health, the environment, and animal welfare, PBU seeks to drive change in the very institutions that shape the minds of future generations.
Plant Based Universities emphasises the need for universities to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their food choices.
"The worst effects of climate breakdown are already being experienced across the globe and industries like meat, fishing, and dairy are undeniably a part of that".
The campaigners argue that universities, as the source of much climate science research, have an obligation to act on their findings, with plant-based catering being the “only future-proof option.”
The University of Stirling’s commitment to going fully plant-based sets a powerful example for academic institutions around the world. With the support of the PBU campaign and the growing awareness of the climate crisis, this pioneering move will likely inspire other universities to follow suit. As the PBU movement gains momentum, it is our collective responsibility as educators, students, and institutions to embrace the plant-based revolution and work together to build a more sustainable, compassionate, and healthy future for all.
To learn more about the Plant-Based Universities campaign and access valuable resources, visit the official website at www.plantbaseduniversities.org. There, you can find information on how to get started, connect with like-minded individuals, and join the growing network of institutions committed to making a difference.
