Today saw leaked information about the NHS’ plans to try and reduce its carbon emissions. The NHS has a special Sustainability Group that comes up with ideas on how to become more green. Their great idea is, and prepare yourself, it is amazing- is to reduce the amount of meat it serves in hospitals! Wow!
The powers that be think that by reducing the amount of meat they buy in it will reduce their carbon footprint. It is true that the NHS is one of the biggest buyers of food in the UK but even so is this really the best idea they can come up with?! In the UK the NHS accounts for more than three percent of carbon emissions in England which isn’t bad considering it is the largest employer in Britain and the third largest in the whole world. The NHS also has a lot of properties throughout the country.
Whilst it is true that the carbon footprint of food is quite high there are other things the NHS could do to reduce its carbon footprint. However, instead of cutting down on meat products perhaps the NHS should actually buy in locally sourced, fresh produce rather than microwave meals that come from goodness knows where. In fact this might keep patients healthy, they might actually enjoy the food and it is better for the environment!
We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see the full outline of the plans to reduce carbon emissions and go carbon neutral. We’ll keep you posted! Ethical and Green wonder what Jamie Oliver will make of this considering he is promoting British meat at the moment?!
