Food.

In the UK, agriculture is responsible for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, 83% of ammonia air pollution, and 16% of water pollution. More intensive forms of farming are the leading cause of harm to wildlife.

The biggest impact on climate is our meat-heavy diet.

Approximately one third of Wirral’s land area is still used for agricultural purposes (Natural England’s National Character Area (NCA) Profile and Agricultural Census). Much of it is exported.

The number of market gardens on Wirral is decreasing..

Wirral’s allotments are oversubscribed, but there are some spaces available and community garden options such as Incredible Edible Hoylake. Wirral has weekly farmers markets, some remaining market gardens and an increasing number of vegetarian and vegan food options.

Three things you can do

• Eat more plant based meals and less meat. Try meat free Mondays. Or, if you are already doing that, meat free weekdays. https://meatfreemondays.com/why-it-matters/
• Buy locally grown produce or grow your own
• Ask your organisation to provide vegetarian based, locally sourced catering at events