On the first day of spring, which falls on March 20th and is known as the Vernal Equinox, certain places around the world quietly observe an intriguing event called “MeatOut Day”! As you might guess from the name, the idea behind this day is to refrain from eating meat and give a plant-based diet a try!

This idea originated in the United States and was initiated by an organization called FARM (Farm Animal Reform Movement), a non-profit based in Washington, D.C. Naturally, they are particularly concerned about the welfare of farm animals. Since 1985, they have been advocating for people to try going meatless on March 20th each year, marking it as a day of gentle invitation through their grassroots educational campaign.

Why this specific day? Perhaps because March 20th symbolizes the arrival of spring and new beginnings! Using this day to try a new dietary approach and start a healthier and lighter lifestyle seems quite fitting, doesn’t it?

So why encourage everyone to go meatless for a day? FARM’s main goal is to promote a healthy and peaceful vegetarian lifestyle. They provide several compelling reasons for this:

For Our Animal Friends: This is one of the most direct reasons. Advocating for meatless days gives a voice to farm animals, encouraging us to consider kinder and less harmful ways to treat other life forms on Earth. Choosing a plant-based diet is often seen as a more compassionate and peaceful choice.
For Our Planet: Numerous studies show that meat consumption has significant environmental impacts. Industrial farming generates considerable greenhouse gases and requires vast amounts of land, water, and feed. Reducing meat intake, especially red meat, can significantly lessen our environmental footprint by reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, and even protecting forests. It’s an easy way to give our planet a break!
For Our Health: We’ve always been told to eat healthily by consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Countless nutritionists have proven that plant-based foods are incredibly beneficial for our health! They can help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. Therefore, “MeatOut Day” serves as a reminder to try incorporating more plant-based foods into our diet for better health!
On March 20th each year, although it’s not an official holiday, many people around the world—especially those concerned with animal welfare, environmental protection, and personal health—voluntarily respond to this initiative. Some might experiment with new vegan recipes at home; others might organize vegan potlucks with friends; some might share the benefits and recipes of plant-based diets on social media. It’s a grassroots movement exploring and advocating for a better lifestyle.

MeatOut Day isn’t just about going meatless for one day. Its greater significance lies in encouraging people to explore vegetarianism’s possibilities through this experience and think more about their dietary choices. Perhaps starting with “one meatless day” can gradually lead to “one meatless day per week,” or even more frequent vegetarian meals—bringing continuous benefits to animals, the planet, and ourselves.

So every March 20th on the vernal equinox, “International MeatOut Day” serves as a gentle reminder: Spring has arrived; new life begins—why not bring some freshness to our tables too? By adopting healthier, more eco-friendly, and compassionate eating habits we can start a new season in life! Next time this day comes around, why not give it a try? Give your body and the planet a “meat-free break”**! Feel the vitality that plants can bring!