Helsinki City Council has approved an initiative to cut the procurement of meat and dairy products by 50% by 2030, replacing meat and milk with plant-based alternatives.

The initiative aims to reduce the Finnish capital city’s greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental footprint of its food purchases, promoting a healthy and sustainable food culture. It also proposes that ‘significant’ savings could be achieved by reducing the consumption of animal-based foods.

Headed up by Councillor  Mai Kivelä, the initiative passed approvals last week with a majority vote – 57 Councillors voted in favour, and only 23 voted against.

It was inspired by the Half Better campaign launched by Greenpeace, encouraging municipalities to implement significant cuts in meat and dairy consumption in order to tackle climate change and protect biodiversity.

New plant-based and hybrid options will be introduced across schools, hospitals and other municipal institutions in Helsinki as part of the initiative to cut down and replace meat-based meals.

The Council confirmed that emphasis will be placed on ensuring plant-based alternatives, such as milk alternatives, meet the required nutritional standards.

Olli Tiainen, climate and energy expert at Greenpeace, said: “Helsinki is setting an example for all of Finland that a change towards food that is better for the climate, health, animals and the local economy is possible”.

“The voting result restores faith that informed decision-making is still possible and that better food can also be a unifying factor between parties.”