NHS to cut emissions with veggie options

The NHS has today pledged to take the lead in sustainability by aiming to become a low carbon organisation. Plans show that the NHS will work towards the Government's target of an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050. The document titled 'NHS Carbon Reduction Strategy for England' says: "The NHS is one of the largest purchasers and providers of food in the UK. The NHS will take more systematic action in procuring and producing sustainable, healthy and low carbon food for patients, visitors and staff." One of the recommendations suggests that all NHS organisations should start questioning their suppliers' commitment to sustainable and carbon management issues. Using less meat, dairy and eggs is another suggestion, which the NHS claims can demonstrate lower carbon forms of production and transport. "The actions needed to develop a more sustainable food system in the NHS whilst maintaining nutritional value, include the use of seasonally adjusted menus, increased use of sustainably sourced fish and a reduction in the reliance on meat, dairy and eggs," says the report.