West Hollywood will soon make vegan and vegetarian food options the default at events like the Public Safety Awards Luncheon, which was held this year on March 6. (photo by Brett Erickson)

West Hollywood took a plant-based step forward at the April 1 City Council meeting, voting to make meat optional at future city events. In a unanimous decision, the council approved an item put forward by Vice Mayor Chelsea Byers that will make vegan and vegetarian options the default option for visitors at city events such as special meetings, luncheons and recreational activities, while meat options will be available upon request.

“Reducing the intake of animal products including meat is a meaningful way to cut back on carbon emissions and address the water consumption issues and, frankly, the morality issues that go into mass meat farming,” Byers said. “With the city investing its dollars into options that benefit the planet in these ways, we are investing our dollars in greater alignment with our climate goals all while giving people healthy food options to enjoy at our events. Mercy for Animals, the Center for Biological Diversity and many other environmental and climate organizations have long championed these practices and it has been incredible hearing the response from community members who understand this plant-based default policy as a responsible way we can collectively make a big impact.”

“Anything that we can do to create more sustainable food practices or [reduce] food waste is important for how the city continues to meet our robust climate action goals,” Mayor John Erickson said.

Councilman John Heilman cited the opportunity to educate the community on the relation between meat consumption and climate change.

“West Hollywood hosts a number of events where food is served. We have typically provided vegan and vegetarian options,” Heilman said. “I support educating the community about the linkage between environmental degradation, climate change and meat-based diets. We approved an item that prioritizes plant-based foods when we are hosting city events. This seems like an appropriate demonstration of our commitment to environmental sustainability.”