50 Planet-Friendly Protein Choices
This is a look at the different protein options and
which/how they can be sustainable.
The body of information you will get from this post is
entirely from www.newhope360.com in an
article of the same name by Melanie Warner.
We are assuming that most people want to include animal
protein in their diet for some reason or another, but we all want to treat our
bodies and planet better.
First buy organic, pastured, locally raised meats!
LEGUMES – They don’t require fertilizer, but if they are not
organic can have pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc. They are very
eco-friendly and an inexpensive choice for protein.
SOY – Soy is one of the best sources of protein, but make
sure its organic, 90% of US soybean crops are use (GMO)
SEAFOOD - “Captured, or wild, fish win on every imaginable
metric—energy use, water consumption, pollution, fertilizer, antibiotics, and
pesticides,” says Ray Hilborn, PhD, professor of aquatic and fishery sciences
at the University of Washington in Seattle.
The negative side of this, is many of the world’s fisheries are being
overfished. The website suggests
watching motereybayaquarium.org’s website for regional guides on which are best
to consume.
CHICKEN and EGGS – Eggs are more sustainable than chickens. Each chicken can lay 500 eggs, while only
supply one body on its own. There are
many farms that use chemicals, antibiotics, and have terrible conditions for
their chickens, so it’s best to buy organic and pastured.
DAIRY – Dairy sources of protein are only second to beef as
the worst environmentally conscious protein.
The site does declare that if you consume Dairy it is much healthier
from organically raised cows.
BEEF – Just like dairy, beef is healthier and better on the environment
if it is grass fed and raised organically, but it is still the “hummer of
protein-rich foods.”
PORK – Pork converts feed into protein better than beef, but
may be the highest risk of danger to your health and the environment due to its
high level of wastes produced. They
suggest if you must have pork, at least get organic.
You can find more material and even recipes at this web
site.
Comments
Post a Comment
Let your knowledge, ideas, and innovation be heard. Tell us what you think and know about this topic.