In 2018, the most comprehensive analysis to date of the damage farming does to the planet released the following statement:

“Avoiding meat and dairy is ‘single biggest way’ to reduce your impact on Earth”

Findings from a wide array of research studies have since arrived at the same conclusion. The damage done by animal agriculture is a significant contributing factor to many of the world’s biggest environmental problems; the greenhouse gas effect, deforestation, lack of clean water, acid rain, coral bleaching…. the list goes on and on.

And yet, only around 1% of the world’s population identifies as vegan. At the front line of the this global climate crisis, how can we educate people about the way their everyday choices- specifically what they put on their plates- can do less damage to the earth?

Thankfully, Canada’s food guide no longer acknowledges dairy as a food-group and places less emphasis on meat. Previous to these changes, the food guide was heavily funded by meat, egg and dairy industries which lead to the large scale cultural belief that such products are beneficial to health. This means that, when instructing health and nutrition related content, teachers are by no means required to advocate for the consumption of animals or their secretions. However, It is important for us to realize this as educators- many of our students may be coming into the classroom under the impression that animal products are essential to human health. This could not be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, the consumption of “red meat”- the flesh of cows, pigs and sheep, has been linked to cancer. Extra emphasis should therefore be placed on the fact that all nutrients needed for optimal health can be obtained on a plant-based diet.

Canada’s new food guide

At the end of the day, however, teachers are not in control of student’s food choices. What ends up in the lunch boxes of kids in our classrooms is based on the discretion of parents- not to mention cultural and socio-economic factors. This being said, here are some ideas on creating more plant-based schools for the good of the planet:

  • If organizing a fundraising bake sale, sell only vegan treats. This will show kids and their families that plant-based eating can be delicious (it isn’t just salads!)
  • Many schools serving low-income areas have breakfast or hot lunch programs. Work with program administration to have these programs run with as few animal products as possible
  • Most elementary students eat what they are served without questioning how it is produced. Having class conversations about how the food we eat ends up on our plates, and the processes involved in this, may spark students to question and change their eating habits.
  • Advocate for plant based cafeterias and vending machines in schools

At the end of the day, teachers can and should not control all areas of our student’s lives. When it comes to diet, it is important to respect that children will come into the class with all sorts of cultural ideas and tastes passed down from their parents. The small steps we CAN take, however, to push towards a plant-based future in schools should not be underestimated, as every little bit helps.