Sustainable Sangha Project
The Sustainable Sangha Project is a new initiative from Dharma Voices for Animals. Rooted in our urgent environmental crisis and grounded in the spirit of the Dharma, this project is here to support Buddhist communities in aligning their meal offerings with values of sustainability, and compassion for all beings.
Through this project, we offer encouragement, resources, and community to Dharma centers that are moving toward more plant-based meals as part of their practice. By serving food that supports the health of the Earth and all sentient beings, these centers are modeling compassionate leadership and engaged Dharma in action.
Our Motto: One Bowl, One Earth
This phrase is at the heart of our project. 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
Participation is open to Dharma centers, temples, monasteries, retreat centers, and Buddhist groups of all traditions. Get in touch with us!
We offer guidance on plant-based cooking, sourcing, menu adaptation, nutritional education, and Dharma-grounded reflection on food ethics and sustainability.
Participating centers may receive:
Public recognition on our website and platforms.
A certificate of acknowledgment.
Free consulting and educational materials on nutrition, sourcing, climate impact, and Dharma teachings.
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.
Recognition Levels: One Bowl, One Earth
We gently acknowledge participating centers through our non-hierarchical recognition framework
One Bowl, One Earth
Initiated Sangha
Offering at least one plant-based meal daily or beginning the transition.
One Bowl, One Earth
Committed Sangha
Serving mostly plant-based meals or offering vegan meals on designated days.
One Bowl, One Earth
Centered Sangha
Providing fully plant-based meals at all programs or retreats.
“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 Project 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.
