GOING MEATLESS

WeWork cites environmental concerns for company’s new policy,

LONDON— Co-working giant WeWork Cos. thinks it can save the environment quicker than Elon Musk.

The startup has told its 6,000 global staff that they will no longer be able to expense meals including meat, and that it won’t pay for any red meat, poultry or pork at WeWork events. In an email to employees this week outlining the new policy, co-founder Miguel McKelvey said the firm’s upcoming internal “Summer Camp” retreat would offer no meat options for attendees.

“New research indicates that avoiding meat is one of the biggest things an individual can do to reduce their personal environmental impact,” said McKelvey in the memo, “even more than switching to a hybrid car.”

Individuals requiring “medi- cal or religious” allowances are being referred to the company’s policy team to discuss options. A WeWork spokesperson confirmed the contents of the memo. Although the anti-meat stance is significant for the New York-based company, it’s far from the first startup to promote alternatives to animals.

Purple Carrot, the vegan meal-kit company, recently won backing from Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc, while Wild Earth Inc., a startup based in Berkeley, Calif., is creating pet food with lab-created proteins.

American Airlines Group Inc. and Starbucks Corp. recently joined the chorus of companies pledging to phase out plastic straws and drink stirrers. And Southwest Airlines Co., in a bid to reduce allergy risk, said this week peanuts will no longer be available on flights starting Aug. 1.

WeWork’s decision follows the company’s recent internal drives to reduce plastic usage and redistribute waste food from its events to good causes.

In his email, McKelvey advised employees that the meatfree move would affect the company’s travel and expense policy, as well as WeWork’s “Honesty Market,” a self-serve food and drink kiosk system present in some of its 400 coworking buildings.