PBU is a campaign that has been launched in 2021 and is active in over 80 universities worldwide. So far, the PBU motion has passed in 10 universities, nine of which are in the UK.
Plant-Based motion strives to pledge universities to commit to 100% plant-based food options, which includes the food they provide at events, food provided by the business partners that are on campuses and any other food students can purchase on university grounds.
The aim of the motion is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as the animal agriculture industry is responsible for 18% of all greenhouse gasses worldwide. To put it in further perspective, the transportation of the food only accounts for 10% of the overall animal agriculture industry.
The motion, which is supported by Extinction Rebellion Society, Amnesty International Society, Astrology Society and Environment and Earth Society, is going to be presented at a council meeting this Thursday 14 March 2024 in History Room, NUSU.
It asks for NUSU to publicly endorse the PBU campaign as well as to switch to 50% plant-based events that are run by NUSU. The motion also asks to prioritise plant-based businesses when selecting partnerships and encourage external companies operating on NUSU premises to transition to 100% plant-based menus. Further, any NUSU owned food outlets must be 100% plant-based.
What the campaign strives for is to make NUSU take institutional responsibility for their environmental impact as that is something often difficult for students to do due to finances. Through this switch to plant-based campus, students could still bring whatever food they needed but would be able to buy and eat more sustainable food whilst on NUSU premises.
Plant-based options are also very inclusive as the food is almost always halal and kosher as well as it eliminates 5 of the 14 most common allergens.
Ella, President of the XR society and the PBU Newcastle coordinator, shared that the campaign was started to reflect some of the core values of XR society as ‘Tell the truth’ and ‘Act now’. The campaigners are hoping NUSU takes responsibility in mitigating climate change.
Ella further shared: ‘Climate anxiety is at an all-time high and this motion gives students a chance to show the university that they want decisive action to be taken to sustainability commitments.’
If this is something you think is worth fighting for, you can register for a student council casual voting place, and show up to the Annual General Meeting at 4pm in History Room, NUSU.