For vegetarians, the idea of abstaining from meat one day of the week isn't a big deal, but Vancouver's city council is asking local omnivores to try dropping meat from some meals, and opt for more sustainable choices instead.

The City of Vancouver proclaimed June 10, 2013 "Meatless Monday" following a request from its food policy council, in support of more sustainable agriculture and healthier consumption, the CBC's Emily Elias reports.

According to Meatless Monday Canada, similar meat-free campaigns began during World War I, when Americans were encouraged to aid the war effort by forgoing some staples.