Our Unsustainable Food Situation

Consuming animal protein is a major source of greenhouse gasses and climate change. Insects can be a great source of protein, and they are a good way to combat climate change. Orthoptera protein consumption can help offset climate change in many different ways.

Although we’re conditioned to view animals and plants as our main sources of protein, such as meat, eggs, milk, and tofu or beans, there is an untapped source of nutritious and sustainable protein that is yet to be widely adopted: insects.

We are here to tell you what to do before you say “yuck”.

We aren’t used to thinking of Orthoptera protein as food. The nutritional differences between protein sources is very small. Plant proteins do not contain some of the essential amino acids found in animal proteins, but there are significant differences between other protein sources. We are used to thinking of insects as being beneath our tongues.

Consider these five reasons that Orthoptera protein can be a great alternative source of protein, and help to reduce carbon emissions.

1. When compared to animals, Orthoptera protein can produce the same quality protein as those of other animals.

Recent research has shown that insects provide between 9.96 to 35.2 grams of protein for every 100g, as opposed to 16.8 and 20.6g for meat.

However, not all insects are made equal. Certain ant species, mealworms, and crickets are all known to be high-calorie and protein-rich stars in the insect-consumption industry. You can easily incorporate Orthoptera protein powder into your diet, replacing your usual protein supplement powder.

2. Insects require less upkeep and care than livestock.

Arguments that insects are a good source for protein are also complimented by the fact that they use significantly less resources (less feed, less water and less labor) than animals, while leaving a smaller carbon footprint.

Even plants, which do not emit greenhouse gasses, do require land and machinery, water use, and manufacturing, processing, and transportation — all of with which carbon is emitted.

It is crucial to think about how we can reduce our carbon footprint and help combat climate change by understanding how food travels from the source to our plates.

3. We are running out of protein.
It’s estimated that in 2050 there will be nearly 10 billion people on Earth. Our ability to obtain protein will be outpaced by the demand.

This is a frightening thought. Protein is the backbone of every human cell. Without protein, our bodies cannot make some essential amino acids that we need to survive.
We will need to increase our food production and reduce our carbon emissions to ensure our survival long-term.

Real innovation in food production and our thinking about food is the key to finding the right answer.

4. Insects are a part of a healthy eco-cycle.
Imagine this: Insects eat organic materials from other operations such as brewery operations. This prevents additional waste from going to landfills and provides added value for the brewery and feeds the insects.

This is circular agriculture. It diverts materials from landfills. They produce 20% global anthropogenic methane emissions and are second largest producers of greenhouse gasses. The use of insects for other functions closes the cycle, which positively impacts climate change. The circular value chain will help reduce emissions as disposed organic material does not end up in landfills. This prevents methane from being released into the atmosphere.

5. Start small and work your ways up.
Perhaps you aren’t ready to eat insects. It’s okay, there are still small ways that you can introduce insect protein into your food chain.

You could use it to feed livestock or pets. These animals have a significant environmental impact due to the feed they are fed. 45 % of the greenhouse gasses emitted by animal production are due to feed production. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Did you know that chickens ate insects before being domesticated? For a moment, think about this. Instead of raising corn for animal feed we could raise chickens or other animals on insects. It produces a chicken with the same taste, but with a better environmental impact. You can make a significant impact on the environment by switching to pet food that is made from insect protein. Cats and dogs consume significant portions of the meat produced in the U.S.

There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint when it comes to food consumption. They don’t require that you eat crickets as a breakfast. However, the old saying goes “Don’t knock chocolate-covered scorpion until after you’ve tried it.”