The Vegan Food Boom is Good for People, Planet and Profit – Triple Pundit (registration) (blog)
Posted: February 21, 2017 at 7:47 pm
By Anna Johansson
Most people think of veganism as a highly-debated personal issue, one related to health and nutrition, but few outside the vegan community stop to think about how such a diet impacts our environment.
For vegan-centered businesses, however, our food choices arent just about physical health; theyre about global sustainability and long-term economic health. It goes far beyond changing the way we eat, but rather is a statement about how we treat our planet and what kind of future we hope to have and intend to create.
When people talk about veganism, the first question most people ask is: But where do you get your protein? Due to a lack of nutrition education, many Americans think that the only way to get protein is through meat products, and many even over-consume meat products, believing its necessary for their health when its, in fact, bad for their bodies and the environment.
In fact, vegetarians and vegans can get their protein from many non-meat sources, including soy, nuts and nut butters, peas, seeds and even whole grains. Grains like quinoa are actually very high in protein, as are peas. Meat eaters are often surprised to hear that these foods they think of as poor sources of protein can boast more protein than an equivalent serving of meat.
With this in mind, then, companies are rapidly centering alternative protein sources in their business plans. Ruoquette, a French company, is in the process of bringing the worlds largest pea protein factory to Canada. Andin the U.S., plant-based foods contribute $13.7 billion to the economy. And because of its complexity and status as a near-complete protein, pea protein alone is expected to be an $18.5 million industry by 2021.
Health food, in the broadest sense, has become a viable, mainstream marketing point rather than just a niche market, and vegan protein sources are a key example of this. In part, this is because of an increase in health issues. The risks of things like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some kinds of cancer can be reduced by a vegan diet.
In this day and age, however, its not just our health we should be worried about. Rather, we need to consider how what we eat impacts the health of the earth and this kind of ethical appeal works well for vegan-centered companies.
Simply put, a vegan diet has a much smaller carbon footprint than diets that include meat and animal products. In 2017, if everyone across the globe switched to a plant-based diet, we could reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to food-production by 70 percent by 2050. Thats an enormous reduction.
Looked at more carefully, theres an even more intimate link between our health and the health of our earth because of the implications of global warming.
When 80 percent of food-production greenhouses gases are related to meat production, evidence suggests veganism may be the only answer.
In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a vegan diet has other environmental benefits that could decrease resource scarcity around the world but only if changes are made on a corporate, rather than individual, scale.
A quick look at resources needed to produce a cup of beef versus a cup of kidney beans makes it clear why. From land and water to fertilizer and fuel, it takes fewer resources to grow the kidney beans and theyre better for you. Considering the scarcity of potable water, the amount of land devoted to animal agriculture, and the damages done by fossil fuels, why wouldnt we want to reduce our use of these critical resources?
Finally, its important to put to bed the fiction that vegan diets are not attainable for many people, particularly those living on limited incomes. Lets take, as an example, the fact that veganism and vegetarianism are practiced most widely in the developing world.
Even among those who dont identify with this particular dietary practice, meat tends to be a relatively minor part of peoples daily diets its expensive and ultimately out of reach, saved for celebrations or when guests are invited. It isnt a staple in the way it is in the United States. And the more popular plant-based diets become, the less expensive basic meat alternatives will become.
Animal agriculture is the enemy of the environment and the enemy of our health, but it has distinct advantages for todays food businesses. As advocates for the earth, then, its time to push for a vegan revolution. High-end restaurants are catching on, vegan butchers are opening, and your local grocery increasingly stocks vegan alternatives.
Now, more businesses need to step up and support this change.
Image credit: Pexels
Anna is a freelance writer, researcher, and business consultant. A columnist for Entrepreneur.com, HuffingtonPost.com and more, Anna specializes in entrepreneurship, technology, and social media trends. Follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Here is the original post:
The Vegan Food Boom is Good for People, Planet and Profit - Triple Pundit (registration) (blog)
- Vegan Vengeance [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Glazar: Making Jill Skeem's Spinach, Mushroom and Onion Lasagna [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Native Foods Cafe to open Tuesday with vegan bites, kale for the lunch crowd [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Vegan.org | A project of Vegan Action [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Veganism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- What Is a Vegan? What Do Vegans Eat? - About [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Going vegan for a month - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Vegan Weight Loss Popular Life Style That Aids Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- WHY I'M A VEGAN - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- PEANUT BUTTER HOT CHOCOLATE Guilt-Free, Healthy & Vegan - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- What's the hardest thing about going vegan? - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Portland VegFest Haul: vegan food, apparel, and supplements! - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Vegan Chocolate Shake ChallengeShakeology Recipe | Autumn Fitness - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Strawberry muffins - Recipe by The Vegan Corner - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Veganism in a Nutshell -- The Vegetarian Resource Group [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Sicilian fennel and orange salad - Raw recipe by The Vegan Corner - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Vegan Kale Caesar Salad Recipe - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Spontan Vegan - Folge 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Portrait Beaut spcial Vegan - Marina - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- VBMC - Vegan Cuts Oct Snack Box Sneak Peek - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Vegan Blood Test, RAAM Training and Living Simply Update - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- 80/10/10 Vegan Diet - Fact & Fiction - BEXLIFE - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Vegan Humour: David Wolfe Strikes Again! - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- SCREW Salad! Vegan Epic Meal Time! - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Sigina Pop: Dieta raw vegan, o opiune pentru a slbi? - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Great Vegan Recipes(2): The Tofu Peanut Butter Cookies and The Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Raw Vegan Detox Pt 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- What I Ate Saturday- Vegan - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Petit Vour: September 2014 box! Luxury Vegan/Cruelty-Free Subscription | BeautyInAmin - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Vlog EP 2 - Starbucks, Farmers Market & Vegan Enchilada's! - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Day 27 of a 30 Day Vegan Challenge. - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Raw Vegan Pizza with Sauce and Cheese - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Peta2 brings new vegan options to campus P.O.D. Markets [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Healthier Thriftier Vegan Caramel Frappucino - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Organic Vegan Gyro - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Sexiest Vegan over 50, FARM Fast, Vegfest Schedule, Walruses Haul-out - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Warum Vegan High Carb Low Fat? und wie ich zu HCLF gekommen bin bergewicht Diabetes - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- The best cheezy beet & kale chip recipe (dairy-free, vegan, raw) - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Super-Slow Bench Press: Vegan Pro Natural Physique Ivan Blazquez - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Minister Enqi VEGAN BABIES LIVE - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- London wild park animals [VEGAN-BADASS-TV E1] - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Breastfeeding in Sams Club Yummy Raw Vegan Spinach Dip and Daniel Tiger - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Antioxidants are a big part of my Raw Vegan Diet - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- How To Make Easy Hummus Dipping Sauce (Oil-Free, Low Fat, Vegan, RawTill4) - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- 36 Weeks Pregnant High Carb Vegan - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Eating Vegan is for the Wealthy, Privileged, Elite - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Cooking With Research - Vegan Banana Smoothie Episode 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Thesis Speech on the vegan diet - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Vegan protein, where to get it! Can you beat the egg? - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Vegan Hunting Lesson, Part 2 -- Pumpkin - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Part 2 - Social Situations on a Raw Vegan / Whole Foods Pla - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Leigh-Chantelle interviews Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, Joyful Vegan - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- IS VEGAN A CLASS THING PART 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Raw Vegan on a Budget - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- RawTill4 Fresh Homemade Salsa and Pita Chips Vegan - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- The Vegan Sweet Beat: Licorice - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- 6 Tips For How To Go Vegan + Little Sing Song - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Green Festival -Beyond Meat: A Vegan Option - Green With Tiffany - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Healthy Vegan Lunch When Low On Fruits RawTill4...Almost 🙂 - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- 30 Days a Vegan #1 - Vorbereitung ist alles: No Excuses! - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Iron Chef Cook-Off: Challenging Healthy Vegan! |Edgy Veg - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Sneak Peek: October Vegan Cuts Snack Box - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- What's Cooking? - Vegan Brownies - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Non-Vegan Spouses, Lucid Dreams, and the Nature of Reality - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Non-Vegans Try Vegan Food | Vegan Cuts Unboxing! - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Tofu in a Cheesy Vegan Tomato Sauce in 3 minutes! - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- My Vegan Banana Smoothie part 1 - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Kawaii Vegan Kiiroitori Bento Box - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- The Synergy of My Yoga Practice, Vegan Lifestyle and Ahimsa - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Vegan Food Haul - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Vegan Cuts September Beauty Box & Snack Box | GIVEAWAY - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Broke Hungry Vegan sizzle reel at Peace Pies - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Sacramento restaurants challenge you to eat vegan - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Vegan Tag - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Why I Gave 2 Macbooks Away to the Vegan Cafe - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants, Healthy, Organic, Hoboken ... [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- High as a Kite with this No Fat Raw Vegan Detox - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- VEGAN CHOCOLATE PUDDING #vegan #healthy #dessert #veganlife #healthychoices #yummy #recipes - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- Vegan Pasta Caprese - Oil Free, RawTill4 friendly - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- Flu Shots, Probiotics and Healing Foods - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]