Eating vegan for the climate: why algae for your dinner is good for our planet

More and more people are consuming more and more animal products. Global meat consumption has more than doubled in the past 20 years and, according to current forecasts, will increase by a further 13 percent by 2028. Every American or Australian eats an average of over 100 kg of meat per year, in Central Europe this number is 60 kg. The increasingly affluent populations of other parts of the world are well on their way to achieving these values ​​as well. This eating behavior has dramatic consequences on the state of our earth.

Ruminants such as cows and sheep emit methane gas that is harmful to the climate – and in considerable quantities. Statisticians have calculated that in the highly developed industrial Germany, almost two-thirds of all methane emissions come from agriculture. In addition, there is an enormous consumption of agricultural land and water. According to the animal welfare organization PETA, more than 83% of the world’s agricultural land is used for animal cultivation and feeding with almost 30% of the world’s water. This contributes to climate change and environmental degradation.

These facts show that we cannot go on like this. “If you care about the environment, nature, and your fellow creatures, opt for a vegan diet,” is recommended by the environmentalists at PETA, because: “It has never been easier and more important than today.” In fact, today there are many options for responsible individuals who want to live sustainably and without meat. One of the healthiest and most environmentally friendly options is a balanced protein-rich diet that relies primarily on microalgae.

Microalgae can make valuable contributions to the sustainable and healthy food supply for the growing world population. The organisms in the water are rich in protein and produce many valuable substances such as vitamins, essential fatty acids, and a number of pharmaceutically active substances. Their cultivation is extremely efficient, the land uses low: they thrive in the water that covers most of the earth’s surface. The microalgae are able to grow and multiply quickly, therefore promising a rich harvest with little use of resources. In addition, 40 times less CO₂ is required for algae over meat production. 

To produce one animal calorie in the form of beef, an average of seven plant calories from grass, straw, or corn are required. The production of animal protein is an enormous waste of resources that we can no longer afford. Alternative concepts are in high demand and this is where microalgae come into play. Microalgae’s high protein content makes it a valuable food production source over the next few decades. Compared to beef, which typically contains around 25% protein, or fish (18-29%), egg (13%), and soy (30%), the microalgae golden chlorella is an outstanding source of protein with 40 to 60%. A handful of algae provides 500 grams of valuable Alver protein powder. One teaspoon of it, about 10g, contains as much protein as half an egg, 100ml milk, or 12g of a steak.

The microalgae products from Alver belong on the plate of all those who care about their health as much as the well-being of our planet. Because eating a vegan diet is good for the climate. Would you like to try it out? Click here for our delicious algae recipes – let yourself be surprised by the good taste.