We all know that the diet of the so-called "first" or "Western" world is not sustainable. Similarly, while some seem to feel content by repeating the same things to ease their conscience, others are not willing to give up their beloved beef steak. Heaven forbid they don't eat at least a couple per week!
Of course, we're not here to convince you to eat insects, but we believe that insects are part of the solution. We also believe that some development models need to be reconsidered. We are certain that things need to change, and in agreement with the majority of the scientific community, we fear that the time to do so is running out. Tick-tock, tick-tock.
Do you want a valid reason why we should all reconsider our diet? Here it is: we are too many. The projections for the growth rate of the global population are telling us that within a few years we will become 10 billion people. And we believe that.
While demographic growth represents for many countries the expression of hard-fought economic development, pursued after years of precarious conditions, this growth will still be connected to the responsibilities that go along with it. Whether it's individuals, states, or supranational structures, we don't care; someone will have to ensure a rational plan to feed a vertically growing population. There's little room to tiptoe around this issue.
Consuming animal proteins means fueling intensive farming systems, like it or not; in most cases, that's how it is. And these systems contribute significantly to the accumulation of polluting emissions in our dear blue planet. Not only that, but large-scale animal farming is also the main culprit for deforestation. Agricultural land is needed to cultivate food for these animals, and these crops require freshwater. Freshwater is scarce and should be managed with intelligence and frugality.
Some Data:
- More than 70% of the South American forest converted to "other use" serves as pasture for animals, while 14% is used for the production of animal feed in farms (source: ScienceMag).
- Between 1960 and 2011, livestock farming was responsible for more than 60% of the change in global ecosystems (source: Mottet, A.)
- The world population of pigs increased from just over 400 million in 1961 to almost a billion in 2018. In the same reference period, in China, they went from 85 million to almost 450 (source: FAO 2020).
We need to realize as soon as possible that we are all part of a complex and interconnected system. Understand that the choices we make as individuals will have an impact on everyone around us. We are part of a whole, and we should never forget that.
Consciously choosing what we decide to eat matters a lot. Some diets have a significantly lower impact than others, and reducing red meat consumption is now categorical. It's good for the planet and good for the health of those who reduce their consumption.
For the rest, we are here, seeking alternative sources of more sustainable and healthier proteins.