by Aline Nassif

aline.nassif@essnmedia.co.uk

Vegetarian Mondays will be on the menu at schools across the borough, if a local environmental crusader gets his way.

Nitin Mehta, founder of the Indian Cultural Centre, in Thornton Heath, wants Croydon Council to designate the first day of each week as "meat-free".

He will be lobbying councillors and leading local community figures at a special Christmas lunch this weekend in the hope of persuading them to "go veggie and lead the fight against global warming."

Mr Mehta, who was made an MBE in 1999, explained: "Over the last two years the experts have been telling us that eating meat is the biggest cause of global warming.

"The energy it takes to farm and transport animals for their meat is ruining the planet.

"Livestock production currently makes up almost 20 per cent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.

"But that amount is likely to double over the next 40 years, which is worrying."

Mr Mehta believes his idea is perfectly feasible as the Belgian city of Ghent already designates Thursdays as a vegetarian day.

He said: "All the state schools and state organisations are obliged to stick to the no-meat rule, but even private businesses and restaurants are encourage to get involved.

"We don't have anything like it in this country, which is a shame.

"I hope the council listens to me. I would like to think Croydon could lead the way in reducing its carbon footprint and saving our planet for generations to come."

Mr Mehta has been a vegetarian from birth for religious reasons, but became a vegan seven years ago.

The 55-year-old explained: "I decided to go vegan on compassionate grounds, because I don't approve of the treatment of animals that produce milk, cheese and eggs.

"Quite a few Croydon councillors are vegetarian so there is no reason why they should object to my proposal."

Shrugging off the "sacrifice" carnivores would have to make, he added: "Vegetarian food is very tasty and it is also healthy for you.

"Skipping meat for a day is not going to ruin anyone's quality of life, and it will make a huge difference to the wellbeing of our planet.

"I am suggesting a Monday because if you start the week off on a good note, you will be more inclined to keep going in the same positive direction."

The annual Christmas lunch is taking place at Archbishop Lanfranc School, in Mitcham Road, at 1pm on Sunday.

It is the 25th time the Indian Cultural Centre has held the event, which aims to forge good relations within the local community.