If you’re like us, a meal’s not a meal without a piece of organic, grass-fed meat. Hey, it’s how we were raised. But, in an effort to be more animal and planet friendly, we’re weaning ourselves off of it … slowly.

These days, non-organic meat can be loaded with hormones, antibiotics, growth stimulants, GMOs, and additives and can cause heart disease, obesity, cancer, and other illnesses. As far as the planet goes, livestock emits more greenhouse gases than all the cars, trucks, SUVs, planes, and ships in the world combined … seriously! So, in an effort to reduce meat consumption by 15%, the Meatless Monday campaign was born. It’s all about baby steps.

By just going meat-free and having a pasta or veggie dish for dinner (see our fave recipes), you’ll help reduce emissions. For example, if everyone in the US had one meat-free night each week, it would mean the energy equivalent of using 12 billion fewer gallons of gasoline each year. On a more personal scale, for every 2.2 pounds of beef you don’t eat, you’ll reduce the same amount of carbon dioxide that it takes to drive a car 155 miles.

Even restaurants and rock star (ahem, Paul McCartney) are getting in on the action. Super star chefs like Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich, Lidia Bastianich, John Fraser, and April Bloomfield are at the helm of this movement offering meatless specials every Monday. Check out our top 9 favorite spots for going meat-free every Monday in New York City.

1. Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca
2. Lupa
3. Bar Jamon
4. Casa Mono
5. Del Posto
6. Dovetail
7. Esca
8. OTTO Enoteca Pizzeria
9. The Spotted Pig

Will you take the Meatless Mondays challenge? Comment what meat-free dish you’ll be making!