Discover Los Angeles’ Plant-Based Dining Month: A Sustainable Culinary Adventure

In a city renowned for its innovative culinary scene, Los Angeles is taking a significant step towards sustainability with the introduction of Plant-Based Dining Month this November. Spearheaded by Dashboard.Earth, a leading mobile app that incentivizes climate-friendly actions, this initiative aligns with the Plant-Based Treaty, an international agreement that emphasizes the role of food systems in combating climate change. The campaign has garnered support from a variety of vegan restaurants across the city, offering residents enticing rewards for choosing plant-based meals.

Crossroads, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant chain backed by musician Travis Barker, is among the notable participants. As part of the campaign, Crossroads is offering its hearts of palm calamari appetizer to five lucky app users each night. Tal Ronnen, the founder and head chef of Crossroads, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Crossroads Kitchen exists to prove no one has to choose between delicious food and doing good.” Similarly, Kusaki, an award-winning vegan sushi restaurant, is offering free appetizers for meals exceeding $50, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.

Environmental Impact of Plant-Based Diets

The environmental benefits of adopting a plant-based diet are substantial. The United Nations suggests that fully transitioning to a plant-based diet may decrease individual yearly emissions by as much as 2.1 tons. Even partial shifts, such as reducing meat consumption, can have significant effects. For instance, consuming less than 1.7 ounces of meat daily can equate to removing eight million cars from the road each year. Ellen Dent of the Plant-Based Treaty emphasizes the importance of dietary changes, noting that food systems alone could push us beyond climate thresholds from which recovery may be impossible.

Dashboard.Earth’s app not only encourages plant-based dining but also promotes other climate actions such as composting, reducing water use, and utilizing public transportation. Last month, the app played a pivotal role in SoCal Transit Week, helping to prevent over 5 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, effectively taking 433 cars off the road.

Supporting Local and Women-Owned Businesses

This initiative is pivotal for the advancement of sustainable dining experiences, especially highlighting the standards of local and women-owned businesses prioritizing eco-friendly practices. Tara Punzone, the creator and principal chef of Pura Vita — recognized as the inaugural vegan Italian dining spot in the U.S. — expresses that this moment represents a key turning point for intentional dining. “I started Pura Vita to give Los Angeles a destination for authentic Italian food that is comforting, cruelty-free, environmentally conscious, and of course, delicious,” she remarked. Throughout November, the app Dashboard.Earth showcases participating restaurants allowing customers to find plant-based dining spots and access special promotions.

The campaign also offers Angelenos the opportunity to win weekly prizes, including eco-friendly products, gift certificates, and cash, by committing to climate-friendly dining. This innovative approach not only incentivizes sustainable choices but also fosters a sense of community among participants.

Our Advice on the City

For those visiting Los Angeles during Plant-Based Dining Month, exploring the city’s vibrant vegan food scene is a must. From the Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Crossroads to the authentic Italian offerings at Pura Vita, there is no shortage of delicious options. For occasional travelers, we recommend downloading the Dashboard.Earth app to discover exclusive deals and participate in climate-friendly activities.

For seasoned travelers, consider exploring the lesser-known vegan gems scattered throughout the city. Los Angeles is home to a diverse array of plant-based eateries, each offering unique flavors and experiences. By supporting these establishments, you contribute to a more sustainable future while enjoying the culinary delights the city has to offer.

In conclusion, Plant-Based Dining Month in Los Angeles is a testament to the city’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. By embracing plant-based diets, residents and visitors alike can make a meaningful impact on the environment while indulging in some of the finest cuisine the city has to offer. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, this initiative provides a unique opportunity to engage with Los Angeles’ dynamic food scene in a way that is both enjoyable and environmentally conscious.