WeWork Banishes Meat: Should Others?

The story

WeWork, the co-working company, just banished meat from its operations in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint.

Details

The company announced its new meat-free policy to its employees in an email:

“[M]oving forward, we will not serve or pay for meat at WeWork events and want to clarify that this includes poultry and pork, as well as red meat.”

The policy does not affect what employees or clients eat on their own dime.

Fish is an exception to the policy.

Rationale

The global livestock industry accounts for 15 percent of human-caused global greenhouse gas emissions, and meat consumption is increasing around the world. 

Research shows that limiting the amount of meat and dairy people eat is an important tool for preventing dangerous levels of global warming.

Context

The Los Angeles Times notes:

“[S]ustainability experts said it is rare — even as employers become more focused on showcasing their environmental friendliness — to see companies make a direct connection between meat and climate emissions. And such environmentally tied policies on employee behavior — such as the tracking of printing habits or financial rewards for public transit use — could be a sign of things to come, as employers seek to prove their environmental mettle with millennial workers attracted by such progressive policies.”

Some see WeWork’s move as “a branding exercise wrapped in environmental responsibility.”

What do you think?

Is WeWork’s meatless policy an environmentally responsible move that more entities should embrace? Is the policy an example of corporate overreach? Share your thoughts below.

—Sara E. Murphy

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / coldsnowstorm)