Stil jete

Eat more beans to save the planet

Eat more beans to save the planet

Can beans save the world? The simple legume is now a staple on tables around the globe.

But a coalition of environmental activists claims that doubling bean consumption could help protect the planet.

The 'Beans is How' initiative was launched last year.

Global food production is responsible for one-third of all planet-warming gases emitted by human activity.

But not all food products are created equal. Meat accounts for 60 percent of total food-related emissions, with a single kilogram of beef creating 70 kg of emissions.

Cattle grazing is also a major driver of deforestation, especially in vulnerable ecosystems such as the Amazon rainforest.

Beans emit 90 percent less greenhouse gases than some animal proteins. They also improve soil health by adding nitrogen to the soil and reducing the need for fertilizer.

However, on average, only 21g of legumes are eaten per person per day compared to 112g of meat.

Reversing this imbalance could reduce stress on the planet, campaigners insist.

"I love beans - I cook them, I grow them, I eat them. They are little bits of greatness and have the potential to improve the lives of people around the world," said Sam Kass, former White House chef and Senior Nutrition Policy Advisor.

“If we collectively focus on this product that we know is good for us, we can really make a difference. To do that, we're going to need everyone's help — we're going to need chefs to put more beans on their menus and make beans sexy,” he added.