Why the Paris 2024 Olympics Are Giving Plants the Gold

The Paris 2024 Olympics are focused on sustainability, aiming to be one of the greenest iterations of the event yet. To achieve this, the Olympic committee has pledged to cut emissions in half compared to previous games and has planted 200,000 new trees around the city to sequester carbon. Additionally, the event will offer a wide range of delicious vegan and vegetarian food options, with an estimated 60 percent of meals sold to fans in stadiums being meat-free. The emphasis on plant-based food aligns with the growing trend of flexitarianism in France, with more people opting to reduce their meat consumption.

In preparation for the event, athletes and spectators can expect to enjoy locally sourced and creative plant-based meals, such as vegetarian burgers and hotdogs, lentil dal, and vegetable dishes. Despite the French cuisine stereotype of being meat-centric, the executive chef for the Olympic Village restaurant is excited to showcase delicious, seasonal, and local vegetable dishes for competitors. The Paris Olympics also have a sponsor, Garden Gourmet, which will provide plant-based meat options for attendees looking to enjoy sustainable and delicious food during the games.