Sustainable Sangha Collective
The Sustainable Sangha Collective is a collaborative initiative of Dharma Voices for Animals, recognizing Buddhist centers that embody compassion through sustainable, plant-based food choices.
Through this initiative, we’re building a community of like-minded Dharma centers who are taking meaningful steps in response to our urgent environmental crisis that are grounded in the compassionate spirit of the Dharma. This project supports Buddhist communities in aligning their meal offerings with values of sustainability and compassion for all beings.
Our Motto: One Bowl, One Earth
This phrase is at the heart of our collective. It honors the alms bowl as a symbol of simplicity, gratitude, and interdependence. Each bowl of food reflects a world of choices, and each meal served at a Dharma center becomes a chance to nourish both the sangha and the Earth with care.
How it Works
Our goal is to make compassionate, sustainable food choices a natural expression of Buddhist practice by helping to normalize plant-based meals across sanghas.
Participation is open to Dharma centers, temples, monasteries, retreat centers, and Buddhist groups of all traditions. Get in touch with us.
Recognition:
All participating centers are celebrated as part of One Bowl, One Earth. Whether your center is beginning the transition or already fully plant-based, your participation contributes to a growing community of compassion in action.
Participating centers receive:
Public recognition on the DVA website and digital platforms
A certificate of appreciation
Access to educational resources and consulting on plant-based meals, food sourcing, and Dharma reflections on food ethics
Collaboration with like-minded sanghas nationwide
Optional small grants to support the transition process
Get Involved
Express interest directly as a center already offering plant-based meals.
Nominate a Dharma center you know that might be interested.
Receive support through our free consulting services to explore a transition toward more sustainable food offerings.
“There is a climate, ocean and biodiversity crisis. Fossil fuels and animal agriculture are the driving force behind runaway global warming as well as extensive biodiversity loss, large-scale deforestation, species extinction, water depletion, soil degradation and ocean dead zones.”
Plant-Based Treaty, Safe & Just Report
Nominate your dharma center here today!
And help others align their actions with their compassionate intentions
for the sake of all animals and our precious planet.
“In addition to climate mitigation gains, a transition towards more plant-based consumption and reduced consumption of animal-based foods, particularly from ruminant animals, could reduce pressure on forests and land used for feed, support the preservation of biodiversity and planetary health, and contribute to preventing forms of malnutrition”
– Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change
A report by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Volunteer Opportunities
You can help grow the Sustainable Sangha Collective by recommending Dharma centers to us, offering local outreach, or simply spreading the word. Whether it's your home sangha, a retreat center you've visited, or one you've read about, we welcome your support.
