Food and Our Carbon Footprint

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!

ann arbor plant-based resource guIde

For additional information including recipe blogs and videos, visit our plant-based resources webpage.

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.

plant-based recIpes from around 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!

clIck for plant-based pledge recIpes
clIck for where to buy pledge Items In ann arbor

STORYTIME: GARDEN ADVENTURES AT THE ANN ARBOR TRAVERWOOD LIBRARY

STORYTIME: GARDEN ADVENTURES AT THE ANN ARBOR TRAVERWOOD LIBRARY

September 26, 202612:00 pm - 1:00 pm Ann Arbor Traverwood Library, 3333 Traverwood Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Join VegMichigan for a family-friendly program featuring a reading of Oliver McCoy: The Vegetable Boy by Dr. Richard B. Joelson, followed by a hands-on activity for early learners. Families who attend will also have an opportunity to take home free climate-friendly fo...

ZEROWASTE FESTIVAL TABLING

ZEROWASTE FESTIVAL TABLING

September 27, 202612:00 pm - 3:00 pm Kiwanis, 100 N Staebler Rd Ste C, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

We will have a table at the Zero Waste Fall Festival. The festival is open to the public and it is free to attend. RSVP to attend the festival here. The festival promotes thrifting and reducing waste. We will be inviting people who are NEW to plant-based eating to pa...

ANN ARBOR FARMERS MARKET TABLING

ANN ARBOR FARMERS MARKET TABLING

October 7, 20267:00 am - 3:00 pm Ann ArborFarmers Market, 315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

We will have a table at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market and we will be letting people know about the climate benefits of plant-based eating. We will also invite people to participate in the 30-Day Plant-Based Pledge, if they are new to plant-based eating. Additionally, we ...

want to get Involved?

you can be an organIzer for your group or busIness!

Individuals – Setup a presentation, food sampling, or 30-Day Plant-Based Pledge Event for your workplace, volunteer organization, sports/leisure club, or your neighborhood.
complete our form here
Food Service Business Operators – Learn about our Plant-Powered Menu Initiative below.
plant-powered menu InItIatIve

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.

complete our survey here

say hI on socIal

VegMichigan is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Our federal tax ID number is 38-3602198.