Meatless Monday Australia has just launched Down Under! We caught up with co-founder, Vinita Chopra, to get the latest update.
What was your impetus for starting Meatless Monday Australia?
Meatless Monday represents a creative practical avenue for people around the world to help save the planet and its inhabitants. Not everyone can buy an eco-friendly car, some people may not have a garden, it may not be practical or safe for others to travel by public transport or on foot – but eating vegetarian meals one day a week can make a world of difference!
What experiences do you bring to the project?
My partner Deb has worked on key, university-based, health research projects in Victoria, Australia. Plus she’s been a vegetarian for almost 30 years, and is deeply committed to these issues. I have my own wellness company, received my Masters in Public Health, and am a 5th generation vegetarian.
Where are you in the process of building a long-term campaign?
Right now we’re trying to encourage public health schools in Australia to endorse the campaign. We’re focusing on schools committed to teaching students about the public health of large populations as well as environmental public health. We’re adamant that it be public schools – everyone needs to be involved, to hold hands together to walk forward and make change.
What will you offer on the MM Australia website?
We intend to offer subscribers nutritious, weekly vegetarian recipes; a food of the week section highlighting seasonal foods; a healthy habits section discussing positive lifestyle recommendations, a save our planet section featuring ideas for a healthier planet; a thumbs up section showcasing Australian individuals making a difference; and a wise words segment of quotes from amazing people.
How do you plan to get your message out in such a vast country?
Our approach will be staged. First we’ll target support across Victoria, as we’re based in Melbourne. Then we’ll ramp up to go national. The beauty of today’s world is we have fantastic technology – so using interactive email, Facebook and Twitter media will allow us to spread this vital message.
