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Sustainability, Insects, and a New Way of Living

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations (UN) agree that feeding a growing population sustainably will require a movement towards more efficient food production that is lower in methane and carbon output and requires less space. By 2050, the world's population is expected to reach a high of 9.7 billion people. With increased demand for food and a decrease in the amount of agricultural land available, the world must begin to look at more sustainable diets and less consumption of meat. Insects have proven to be a valuable and sustainable source of protein for human and animal consumption. As seen in the nutritional graph of crickets and beef below, 100 g of steak versus 100 g of crickets contains 20 g of protein versus 60 g in crickets. Crickets also contain more fiber and amino acids than beef.

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On the end of sustainability, livestock production is a leading cause of climate change and resource depletion: one pound of beef requires 1800 gallons of water, whereas one pound of cricket protein requires only one gallon of water. In terms of land, two full acres of land are needed for one cow whereas 55-65 pounds of crickets can be held in a 4'x8' pen. Crickets can live off of organic compost waste and even chicken feed, whereas beef needs excessive amounts of water consuming grain. 

Farms in Thailand have successfully begun to raise insects as today there are more than 20,000 registered insect farms, most of them even small-scaled house operations, according to the U.N Food and Agriculture Organization. They have yielded an average output of 7,500 tons of insects per year, creating a multi-million dollar industry. Insects are a potential for human and animal consumption that can save the world a lot of resources and and time if we begin this sustainable practice. 

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Protein Distribution Globally

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How can we increase protein consumption in areas with fewer resources and little access to technology?

 

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