As the world’s attention begins to zero in on animal agriculture as a leading cause of climate change, PETA has named Cardona Alpine Resort on New Zealand’s South Island the nation’s Most Vegan-Friendly Ski Resort.
Determined to lead on the sustainability front, the resort boasts a vegan-friendly menu, complete with a range of vegan milkshake flavours, noodle salads, buddha bowls, and wraps.
It also recently announced a "no public landfill" policy.
"Not only is Cardrona doing its bit to protect New Zealand’s waterways and natural beauty, it’s also demonstrated that it’s business-savvy," says PETA spokesperson Laura Jones. "We all know that choosing vegan meals over animal-derived products can help turn down the heat when it comes to climate change, meaning vegan options are our best chance at ensuring snow-covered ski slopes in the future."
Modelling by National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research scientists based on an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report found that by 2090, snow depths in alpine areas could be reduced to approximately 79 per cent to 35 per cent of their current maximum.
In New Zealand, the "Environment Aotearoa 2019" report found that a 40 per cent increase in pastureland coupled with a 70 per cent increase in the national dairy herd is contributing to the nation’s harmful nitrogen levels, which not only kill river-dwelling animals but also can make drinking water unsafe. Methane (which is up to 30 times more potent than carbon as a heat-trapping gas) from livestock makes up almost three-quarters of agriculture emissions.
Cardrona will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan chocolates.
