Join Meat Free Mondays and eat vegetarian once a week. 20 big easy points at Practically Green!

Meat Free Monday was launched by Paul McCartney and his daughters, Stella and Mary. We hope you’ll visit the MFM site and join up! And please read this guest post by Jeanine Behr Getz:

“Introducing Meatless Mondays to a family of carnivores!“

Growing up I remember Fridays were “meatless” at my grandparent’s house and no one said boo! So you can imagine my surprise when I sat down with my family to introduce the idea of Meatless Mondays and was met with eye rolling, deep sighs, and a list of terms and conditions…

Apparently no one likes “great ideas” imposed on them and they don’t like the threat of anything being taken away, EVEN if the “great idea” is a healthier choice for themselves and the environment!

Our family’s 4 steps to committing to Meatless Mondays:

  1. WE LOOKED WITHIN: Before we started we inventoried the amount of meat and dairy we consumed a week. From breakfast to dessert, at home, school and at work; we were all a little surprised. Some consumed much more than others…
  2. WE MADE IT EDUCATIONAL (certain members of our family are motivated by facts and numbers): We looked up why eating less meat was healthier for our family, what the nutritional value was and if indeed eating less meat would positively impact the environment . The more we learned, the less resistance arose.
  3. WE MADE IT FUN: We started looking up recipes, planning menus for breakfasts, lunches , snacks and dinners and “desserts”. Everyone had the chance to pick a favorite dish and we made cooking Meatless Monday dinner a family affair. Favorites: eggplant parmesan, melon and strawberries with toasted sprouted multi-grain with jam, scrambled tofu, and my daughter picked rice krispie treats…I know that’s an entire other blog but you have to start somewhere.
  4. WE DIDN’T GO IT ALONE: We started talking with our friends and family about MMs. 18% of households are committing to meatless Mondays. Schools, movie stars, companies, restaurants, cities…The first Meatless Monday started as a volunteer program during World War I, another resurgence came about during World War II and the most recent Meatless Monday effort was launched in 2003.

I am happy to report, after 6 Mondays, all family members are well fed, feel good and now look forward to our Meatless Mondays.  

Our family joined the Meatless Monday campaign, won’t yours?

Like Meatless Monday on Facebook.

Jeanine Behr Getz is an enthusiastic mom, author, and eco editor .  “I am always looking to take the next green step to live a healthier and greener life”. Connect with Jeanine and Kids Think Big on Facebook , Twitter, and schedule an author visit for your school, library and community organization.