By Bradley Harvey BOZEMAN, Montana-- A changing climate requires adaptation in our diets. Consuming less meat and animal products could be less of a hipster trend and more of a meaningful way to clear the path toward superior protein consumption for both the consumer and the planet. The United Nations supports finding a source of protein that is less reliant on water usage and soil health, produces less waste, and is more efficient with resources (Van Huis et al, 2013). This source? Crickets: a promising sustainable food for the future. Using crickets or mealworms as a primary source of protein rather than a traditional meat, such as beef or pork, will reduce greenhouse gasses and consume less feed than traditional meat counterparts. Crickets produce 80 times less methane than cattle, require 12 times less feed than cattle, and need half as much feed as chickens and pigs to produce the same amount of protein. This could ultimately lead to less stress on water and feed resources, reducing the need to clearcut land for the production of feed and animal grazing. Cowboy Crickets, a local company, has taken initiative to provide a sustainable alternative to beef. The idea of abandoning meat altogether is an overreaction to a problem that has a serious solution potential. Edible insects are a regular part of diets across the globe and are soon to be part of the American diet with a little convincing and bravery. “Just like sushi in the 1970’s, edible insects are not mainstream yet, but that is quickly changing.” - Cowboy Crickets
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
ArchivesCategories |