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The City of Ghent is Becoming a Part-Time Vegetarian

Locales from Philly to Dubai are racing to attract the eco-conscious set by touting their environmentally-friendly eating, sleeping, shopping and transportation options, but Ghent, Belgium just took it to another level by becoming the first city go all-vegetarian once a week.

The picturesque Flemish town—best known for its medieval castles and cathedrals—has declared every Thursday a veggiedag (veggie day), when all residents and visitors are encouraged to go without meat in a nod to the overwhelming amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by livestock.

There won't be any bacon police roaming the streets (at least not yet), but government employees and politicians have agreed to abide by the meatless decree, and schoolchildren will be brought into the fold as well. The city is currently printing 90,000 "veggie street maps" to guide people towards vegetarian eateries.

Sounds like a great idea to us, and totally doable—as long as chocolate and beer are still allowed.

Related Stories:
· Belgian city plans 'veggie' days [BBC]
· Belgium travel coverage [Jaunted]
· World's Best Vegetarian Restaurants [Jaunted]

[Photo: jbgranick]