The Plant Based Croydon campaign launched in late 2024, with a simple ask of Croydon Council - to show leadership and take action on the climate by committing to serving only plant based refreshments at its own events. This would be a small step, yet the message would be significant in acknowledging the large environmental impact of the meat and dairy industries. The team of local volunteers set up a petition, which needed to have at least 500 signatures from Croydon residents to enable them to present it for discussion at a full council meeting. They found a number of resourceful ways to share the petition, from street outreach in North End, supported by samples of plant based pastries from Coughlan's Bakery, to knocking on doors and liaising with local faith groups.
The group also hosted a free screening of a documentary on the environmental and other arguments for adopting a plant based diet. inviting all the local councillors. Although none of them attended, there was a good turnout from the public. This was followed by a lively debate, unfortunately cut short by a couple of trouble-makers who chose to be offensive. However this only strengthened the group's resolve and they managed to exceed their petition target and submit it to the council.
The petition was heard at the July full council meeting, when the group co-ordinator Catherine Drake Wilkes was able to make a three minute speech which highlighted the increasing environmental risks to Croydon and the need for the council to start taking action and set an example locally. Although the responses from the administration and opposition did not dispute the facts provided, the council opted not to go plant based. Undeterred, the group have followed up with a public question at a subsequent council meeting, and are now looking at other institutions in Croydon who might be open to going plant based.
Plant Based Croydon
Nationally, Plant Based Britain campaigns have seen 13 councils pass100% plant based motions or policies, and is now focussing on catering in schools. You can find out more here:
If you would like to get involved locally email: