How Dutch Cities Are Banning Meat Ads to Protect the Planet
Have you ever wondered just how much the food on your plate is shaped by the advertisements you see every day? What if the ads you see could help save the planet? In a bold move, Dutch cities are taking action by banning meat advertisements to reduce consumption and protect the environment—paving the way for a greener, plant-based future!
Whilst adopting plant-rich eating for its ethical and environmental benefits is very much a personal choice, we can't ignore the powerful influence that media and advertising have on our food choices. Advertising junk food, for instance, has played a major role in the declining quality of the American diet, with fast food commercials directly linked to increased consumption of unhealthy foods.
So, why should meat be any different? If people are constantly exposed to enticing meat ads, doesn’t it stand to reason that these ads are subtly pushing them to choose meat more often? The answer seems clear—and several Dutch cities have caught onto this!
In 2022, Haarlem became the first city in the world to ban meat ads in public spaces like bus shelters. This move set the stage for others to follow suit, and in 2023, Bloemendaal and Utrecht joined the cause. Now, major cities like Amsterdam and Zwolle are also planning similar restrictions, making it clear that the Netherlands is serious about curbing meat consumption for the sake of the planet.
This action aligns with the Netherlands’ long-standing concern for climate change. With one of the lowest elevations globally, the country is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, so the environmental impact of meat production is not something they take lightly. Meat consumption is known to be a major contributor to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution—issues that directly threaten our future.
By banning meat ads, these cities are not just sending a message about health, but they are also taking action to protect the natural world. It’s a clear example of how local governments can take meaningful steps to shift public attitudes toward more sustainable, plant-based eating.
With the Netherlands leading the charge, it’s time to ask: why aren’t more countries following suit? With climate change accelerating and our resources being rapidly depleted, it’s no longer just a question of personal choice. Every ad we see influences the future of our planet. Could this be the beginning of a global movement to ban meat advertisements and promote a more plant-based future? We think so—and we’re here for it! 🌱
