body
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh prides itself on being a green and healthy city. This year, the City of Pittsburgh recognizes and celebrates Humane Action Pittsburgh and Meatless Mondays; and,
WHEREAS, the United Nations recognizes that “Livestock are one of the most significant contributors to today’s most serious environmental problems,” and recent reports have demonstrated that we can lower our carbon footprint simply by reducing the amount of animal-based foods we eat; and,
WHEREAS, a plant-based diet has been shown to use fewer resources and cause less pollution. Going meatless only one day a week, for a period of one year, can prevent the emission of 416 pounds of carbon dioxide, and preserve 3,744 square feet of rainforest, and save 20,800 gallons of water; and,
WHEREAS, obesity is associated with a higher risk of various health ailments including heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes. In the United States, more than two-thirds of the adult population and nearly one-third of children and teens are overweight or obese; and,
WHEREAS, the American Dietetic Association recognizes that “appropriately planned vegetarian diets…may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases” and that vegetarians tend to have lower rates of heart disease, obesity, hypertension, and Type 2 Diabetes; and,
WHEREAS, a growing number of people are reducing their meat consumption to help prevent animal cruelty, and weekly reminders to restart healthy habits on Mondays can encourage success; and,
title
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Humane Action Pittsburgh for their outstanding commitment to animals, the environment, and personal health; and,
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare August 14, 2017, and all Mondays thereafter, for a period of one year, to be “Meatless Monday” in the City of Pittsburgh.