New York City Public Schools cut carbon emissions by over 40% through their plant-based meal program.
New York City Public Schools have made a groundbreaking environmental impact through their plant-based meal program, Plant-Powered Fridays. An upcoming report from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) will reveal that the program has helped reduce carbon emissions by over 40%, thanks to a shift toward more sustainable, plant-based meals.
A Major Step Toward Sustainability
Launched in February 2022 by Mayor Eric Adams, Plant-Powered Fridays offers nutritious, plant-based meals to students each week. HSUS, in collaboration with the NYC Department of Education’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services (OFNS) and sustainability consultants at WSP USA, analyzed the environmental effects of food purchases between 2018 and 2022. The findings show significant reductions in carbon, water, and land footprints across the school district.
Key Environmental Achievements
Between 2018 and 2022, the NYC public schools reduced their carbon footprint by about 40% per student. The shift also slashed the water usage of student meals by one-third and reduced the land footprint by over 50%. These improvements translate to approximately 16,000 tons less carbon emissions, equivalent to recycling 640,000 bags of trash or planting 240,000 trees. Additionally, food purchases saved around 320 million gallons of water—enough to hydrate 3.5 million people for a year.
A Model for the Future
Officials from OFNS and the Mayor's Office of Food Policy expressed pride in these accomplishments, encouraging other school districts to follow suit. The full report, expected next month, will further highlight how these changes not only benefit students but also help protect the environment for future generations.
New York City’s initiative sets a strong example for the intersection of sustainability, student health, and animal welfare in public institutions.
