Dear Center Supporter,

The demand for plant-based foods continues to grow. A recently published survey by Johns Hopkins University revealed that two-thirds of Americans are eating less meat. And the Good Food Institute found that sales of plant-based meat substitutes are now over $3.7 billion; sales of all plant-based foods jumped 17 percent over the past year compared to only 2 percent for U.S. retail food sales overall.

These trends are good news for the planet, since we have to reduce meat and dairy consumption if we're going to meet international climate targets and protect biodiversity.

What we put on our plates is a key part of shifting the market. But if we're going to change our food system, we also need institutions to use their influence and purchasing power to make plant-based, Earth-friendly options more available. Read on to learn about our new restaurant campaign, and stay tuned for more on how schools are creating menus that are better for students and the environment.

For the wild,

Crowded Planet / Wildlife crossings built at two highways in New Mexico's Tijeras Canyon are giving wild animals safe passage between the Sandia and Manzanos Mountains.

Wild Energy / Fighting Unfair Solar Rates in the South

The Center, along with four climate and energy-conservation allies, sued Tennessee Valley Authority this month for imposing discriminatory electricity rates on its customers. These unfair rates discourage homeowners and businesses from investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

TVA is the nation's largest public power provider, and it failed to disclose the environmental impacts of its rate changes — a violation of federal law. The new rates will result in more energy generated by power plants that run on fossil fuels, creating unnecessary pollution and worsening the climate crisis, rather than helping bring distributed solar to the region.

Read more in The Birmingham News.

Earth-friendly Diet / Putting Pressure on Applebee's

With One Meal a Day, the Center launched a new campaign this week asking Applebee's to add a plant-based option to its menu. Applebee's is one of the largest restaurant chains in the country, but doesn't offer a single meat- and dairy-free entrée nationwide.

For the first time in history, more people are eating out or buying prepared meals than cooking at home. By adding plant-based options to menus, restaurants can empower people to make food choices that are better for their health and the environment.

The campaign kicked off with customers from Florida to California asking their local Applebee's for more sustainable, plant-based menu options. Join the campaign by signing the petition to send a message to Applebee's.

Population / Bring Pillow Talk to Your Town

Pillow Talk is starting conversations across the country about family planning, population growth and threats to wildlife. Volunteers table at special events at museums, science centers and zoos, where they give away free condoms and run activities to help people better understand their individual carbon footprint and what changes they can make to reduce it.

We've participated in dozens of events from Baltimore to Seattle, but we may not have been to your town yet. Let us know about the places and events in your community that could use a little Pillow Talk, and we'll reach out them. Check out our events page to see where we've been recently, then email your ideas.

Greener Living / Cutting Back on Back-to-school Shopping

Back-to-school time is the second-biggest shopping season of the year. If you're still in the thick of it, find out how to reduce the stress on your pocketbook and the planet as your kids ease back into the classroom.

Five Wild Picks / Tips for a Wildlife-friendly Fall

Fall has arrived, and with dropping temperatures, busy school-year schedules and anticipation of upcoming holidays, it's the perfect time of year to reduce your impact on wildlife and the planet.

1) Resist holiday kitsch. From Halloween through the New Year, the next few months are a boon for consumerism and a bust for the planet. Avoid the temptation of overconsumption and excessive waste by reusing decorations, choosing meaningful gifts and focusing on holiday spirit instead of sales.

2) Leave your leaves. Avoid extra yard work and provide shelter for wildlife by leaving fallen leaves where they are or raking them into piles under trees and bushes.

3) Plan plant-based menus. Between rich comfort food and holiday favorites, this season's meat-heavy meals can have big consequences for wildlife. Try meat-free soups, pastas and casseroles instead, and put plant-based foods at the center of your holiday table.

4) Coordinate carpools. With school, work, special events and other activities, family schedules can get complicated this time of year. Take some time to coordinate carpools with family members and friends to save on fuel and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.

5) Change with the weather. It can be hard to admit summer is over, but winter is coming. It's time to weatherize your home and start wearing sweaters instead of cranking up the heat more than necessary.