‘Meatless Monday’ too hot a potato for USDA
August 2nd, 2012 | by Ben Grossman-CohenFor the sorcerers who practice the dark arts of politics, the hot summer months are generally known for their focus on triviality, hyperbole and petty posturing. This “silly season” is marked mostly by frivolous debates over manufactured controversies as voters tune out and cook out in parks and backyards across the country.
So it comes as no surprise that the latest bit of feigned outrage to embroil the United States Department of Agriculture involves an interoffice newsletter recommending that employees consider taking a modest stab at common sense.
Joining the ranks of thousands of companies, restaurants, schools, average Americans and Oprah, a recent newsletter from the USDA made a humble suggestion for its employees to reduce their environmental footprints: Consider eating a meat-free lunch once per week. The agency was referring to “Meatless Monday,” a project of Johns Hopkins, Columbia and Syracuse universities and supported by many other health-related organizations.
Author
Ben Grossman-Cohen
Ben Grossman-Cohen is a senior press officer for Oxfam’s GROW campaign and lead for Behind the Brands, based in Oxfam America’s Washington DC office. He focuses on the impact of climate change and agriculture policy on poor people in the developing world. Prior to joining Oxfam, Ben served as a consultant to mission-focused organizations working on a broad range of food, climate, energy, and international development issues. Follow him on Twitter @BenGroCo.
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