food and our carbon footprInt
Be a climate champion by joining the City of Ann Arbor’s community-wide effort to become carbon neutral by 2030!
VegMichigan is a collaborator on A²ZERO, the City of Ann Arbor’s plan for a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality. As part of our collaboration we are working to spread awareness about the connection between food choices and climate change, demonstrate how eating more plant-based meals can reduce our carbon footprint, support individuals interested in plant-forward living, and help Ann Arbor organizations/restaurants in adopting plant-forward policies.
Learn more about the City’s Sustainable Food Programs.
Below, see more resources and opportunities to attend upcoming events and try FREE plant-based food.
research on plant-based eatIng as a clImate solutIon
According to the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan, food accounts for 10-30% of a household’s carbon footprint. Meat and dairy products have a higher carbon footprint than grains and vegetables so eating more plant-based is one of the best ways to reduce one’s carbon footprint. For more information see the Center for Sustainable Systems Carbon Footprint Fact Sheet.
This chart, from Project Drawdown, the world’s leading resource for climate solutions, shows that plant-based eating is the most impactful thing individuals and households can do to reduce their carbon footprint. Visit Project Drawdown for more information on food and climate.
enjoy plant-based meals & support local restaurants & farmers
Looking for restaurants or grocery stores to enjoy plant-based options, or more local produce? Visit our Ann Arbor plant-based resource guide!
For additional information including recipe blogs and videos, visit our plant-based resources webpage.
Are you searching for a specific type of cuisine? Check out our list of plant-based recipes from cultures all over the world.
free programs & free plant-based food
Interested in learning more about the environmental benefits of plant-based living or participating in our 30-day plant-based pledge and receiving a FREE bag of plant-based items to support you in getting started?
See our upcomIng
a²zero events
lIsted below!
BRYANT COMMUNITY CENTER
BRYANT COMMUNITY CENTER
The Bryant Community Center organizes a regular food distribution program for community members in need of food assistance. We will be there to offer plant-based food items and to spread awareness about the climate benefits of those plant-based food items.
ANN ARBOR ART FAIR TABLING
ANN ARBOR ART FAIR TABLING
We will have a table at the Ann Arbor Art Fair to spread awareness about food and climate. We will have literature and we will be inviting people who are new to plant-based eating to participate in the 30-Day Plant-Based Pledge.
ECHELON KITCHEN DINNER MEETUP (SOLD OUT)
ECHELON KITCHEN DINNER MEETUP (SOLD OUT)
Join us at our Echelon Kitchen Meetup in Ann Arbor on the evening of Tuesday, July 28. We are excited to share that a very special 3 course meal, plus dessert is being offered exclusively for us at this 2026 James Beard Award Finalist for Best New Restaurant.
ANN ARBOR PRIDE TABLING (DWTN ANN ARBOR)
ANN ARBOR PRIDE TABLING (DWTN ANN ARBOR)
We are excited to participate in Ann Arbor Pride! While we are there we will talking about the connection between food and climate. For part of the day we will serve plant-based samples and for part of the day we will be inviting people to participate in the plant-based...
want to get Involved?
you can be an organIzer for your group or busIness!
we need your Input
Would an app help you to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet?
Please share your ideas with the A²ZERO team by filling out the quick 2-question survey below.
VegMichigan is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Our federal tax ID number is 38-3602198.