The Democratic National Convention (DNC) has issued guidelines encouraging food vendors to offer plant-based or "lower-emission" meat options.
This move is seen as part of the DNC's sustainability efforts for the upcoming convention in Chicago.
As reported by the Daily Caller, the DNC's sustainability guidelines suggest that vendors should "offer low-emission menu choices," which include plant-based options. They are also advised to "prioritize" chicken due to its lower carbon intensity. This recommendation aligns with the views of environmental activists and institutions like the United Nations, who have consistently argued that changes in agricultural practices and a reduction in red meat consumption are crucial for reducing emissions and combating climate change.
The New York Times has reported that beef is considered the most carbon-intensive meat to produce, followed by lamb and farmed crustaceans. While the DNC's guidelines are not mandatory, they have created a survey for vendors and other stakeholders to detail the steps they have taken to make their contributions to the convention more environmentally friendly.
The guidelines state, Offer low-emission menu choices, including plant-based and locally sourced options. If meat is offered, prioritize lower-emission meats such as chicken. The DNC also suggests that vendors request ethically sourced or fair-trade certified seafood, coffee, tea, and chocolate, and source high-emission items like coffee through local, small business partnerships.
The DNC's registry includes food vendors that serve meat, such as "Bazaar Meat" and the "Chicago Chop House." The guidelines also encourage vendors to use reusable or compostable utensils and source goods from local suppliers to further reduce emissions.
In addition to these measures, the DNC is recommending the purchase of "renewable energy certificates," or credits, to offset the energy used to heat, cool, and power venues and hotels.
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