This March, nonprofits Planted Society and Humane Montclair are partnering with the Montclair Township Department of Sustainability to promote Plant Based for the Planet, an initiative that brings awareness to how our food system impacts climate change. The program encourages restaurant patrons at 13 local Montclair establishments to choose plant based specials and collectively lower the community’s carbon footprint. Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller and many local organizations are supporting the initiative.
Plant Based for the Planet has attracted support from eco-conscious leaders, including NJ State Senator Cory Booker, Farm Sanctuary founder Gene Baur, climate author Glen Merzer, and Harvard Lecturer Sparsha Saha.
Senator Booker made this statement: “I celebrate this initiative and the restaurants in Montclair that are serving plant-based dishes so the community can have more delicious, healthy meal choices. Community efforts like this help to raise awareness about the many benefits—both personally and for our climate—of a plant-based diet.”
The partnered Montclair businesses are hosting many new customers and report higher than normal sales because of their new climate-friendly options. The initiative has even attracted a new restaurant partner, Guerriero Gelato, increasing the program from 12 to 13 establishments.
Carla Silva, co-owner of partner restaurant Mercado, said “Here at Mercado, we are looking forward to continue to expand our plant based menu options. For sure, since we are getting great feedback, the plant based March specials should become part of our regular menu.”
The initiative’s emphasis on small business participation allows customers to support local and lower their climate impact at the same time. This is Planted Society’s second Plant Based for the Planet Initiative, after their Austin, TX launch in November 2022, which received great customer turnout and sponsorship from Austin’s Office of Sustainability.
The challenge runs March 1-31, 2023. Organizers are inviting the Montclair community and all foodies in New Jersey to experience new plant based dining in Montclair. Each restaurant will be competing for votes from diners, who will choose their favorite plant-based options at the end of the March Initiative.
Those who share food pictures with the hashtag #montclairplanetchallenge, as well as those who vote, will be entered to win eco-friendly prizes.
Senator Cory Booker, State Senator of New Jersey stated:
“I celebrate this initiative and the restaurants in Montclair that are serving plant-based dishes so the community can have more delicious, healthy meal choices. Community efforts like this help to raise awareness about the many benefits—both personally and for our climate—of a plant-based diet. I am grateful to Plant Based for the Planet as I fight in Congress to make our food system more resilient, humane, and just.”
Mayor Sean M. Spiller, Mayor of Montclair, NJ stated:
“I am thrilled to support Plant Based for the Planet. This initiative further demonstrates that Montclair is a food destination that has something for everyone. Adding more plant based options to our diets is not only a way to improve personal health, but also helps combat climate change. I urge everyone who hasn’t yet, to check out the creative and delicious plant-based food our excellent eateries have to offer.”
Gene Baur, President and Co-Founder of Farm Sanctuary stated:
“Our food choices have profound impacts on ourselves, other animals, and the earth. We can make a positive difference by eating plants instead of animals, and I’m very grateful for the effort underway in Montclair, NJ to encourage more compassionate and sustainable food options this month.”
Sparsha Saha, PHD; Lecturer – Harvard University stated:
“The work being done by Planted Society is some of the most important and must be expanded. My research shows that there is taste among voters for plant-forward strategies to address environmental and health problems that our country faces. Combined with the great potential to shape norms and reduce cognitive dissonance, grassroots work like this is key to a just and sustainable Great Food Transformation. We need this now more than ever.”
Glen Merzer, Author of “FOOD IS CLIMATE: A Response to Al Gore, Bill Gates, Paul Hawken, & The Conventional Narrative on Climate Change” stated:
“Animal agriculture is the single leading contributor to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The most important thing we can do as individuals to reverse climate change is to eat a plant-based or vegan diet. I therefore applaud the Plant Based For The Planet Initiative of Humane Montclair/Planted Society, in encouraging plant-based cuisine.”
Lisa Johnson, Montclair Environmental Affairs Coordinator stated:
“Not everyone thinks about how their diet can impact the world, especially when it comes to land and water use, pollution, transportation, and greenhouse gas emissions, but the truth is that our food choices can either help to slow the advance of climate change or continue us down the road of unsustainability.”
Restaurant Partners for Plant Based for the Planet
About the Co-Sponsors of Plant Based for the Planet Montclair
Humane Montclair
Humane Montclair is a local animal welfare advocacy NFP, striving to keep animal welfare in the community conversation and all levels of government. Through advocacy and outreach, Humane Montclair brings attention to the intersection of animal welfare and social justice, public health, sustainability and climate change – existential issues which are all connected, and that we care about. Humane Montclair hopes to positively impact people, pets, and the planet.
Follow Humane Montclair at instagram.com/humanemontclair
Planted Society
Planted Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with brands, restaurants, local governments, and communities to normalize plant-based eating. They believe that all people possess values that align with ending animal agriculture. By working with local restaurants to help navigate the growing demand for climate friendly foods, they help communities foster and maintain a continuous, sustainable culture shift in the cities where they operate.
Follow Planted Society at plantedsociety.org & instagram.com/plantedsociety
