It’s no secret that animal farming and the associated agriculture industry have a huge environmental impact. Between pollutants and pesticides, soil degradation, and waste, the beef, pork, and chicken industries take an environmental toll that many say isn’t worth the problems it causes.
The solution to this problem, proposed by many, is a new wave of vegetarianism and veganism. Some propose only being a vegetarian on weekdays, while others think the meat industry should be shut down altogether.
But one idea I have never heard (until now), is to go green by eating insects.
The theory goes, by eating insects we will significantly reduce the amount of CO2 emissions produced, because we will no longer have the same need for farms full of pigs and cattle. So, it can be assumed, that one meal of Bug Stew instead of Beef Stew will have a lesser environmental footprint. Extend the idea to millions of people, and the CO2 in the atmosphere will be reduced substantially.
I’m not going to pretend like this option is actually appealing to anyone – outside of those that already eat chocolate covered grasshoppers, and the like – but the argument to move away from a meat-centric diet still holds true.
Check out the infographic on the environmental benefits of eating insects below, and let us know what you think about a green diet of insects.
If you want to find out more about eating insects, check out these great insect recipes at Iowa State University’s website.
