Students of Public Health Building Promote Vegan Monday

A group of students from the Institute of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine launched the “Health Monday” campaign to raise awareness for health and environmental protection. Each Monday, the students would gather at the fifth floor of the Public Health Building to catch up while enjoying a scrumptious as well as healthy meat-free lunch box.

The student organizers point out that the campaign was established to allow more people recognize the benefits of going vegan from a public health point of view.

They are also encouraging others to join them in their efforts to adapt a healthier diet. With the help of social media, supporters now include students and faculty from other departments based in the Public Health Building. This includes the Department of Public Health, the School of Physical Therapy, and the School of Occupational Therapy.

The campaigners point out that since its launch in September last year, up to 750 vegetarian lunch boxes have been consumed. In other words, if each lunch box accounts for 700 grams of carbon emissions, the campaign has successfully reduced 525 kilograms in total. This is equivalent to the carbon footprint of nine vehicles travelling 250 kilometers each, or having 17,000 trees absorb a day’s worth of carbon dioxide.

In addition to the health and environmental benefits, Assistant Prof. Wei-Liang Shih (施惟量) noticed that the weekly lunch date has also become an opportunity for socializing, interaction and exchange. He states, “Going vegan once a week really comes with so many benefits!”

Various reports (see reference below) have shown that the meat and dairy product industries contribute to climate change. Research has also shown that over-consumption of these foods may increase the risk of chronic diseases. The organizers argue that each and every individual has at least three chances to choose what they eat each day; therefore, everyone has three opportunities to change the world for the better.

Reference :
Henning Steinfeld et al. Livestock's Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2006.