Could beans save the world?
The humble legume is already a staple on tables around the world.
But a coalition of environmental groups says doubling bean consumption could help protect the planet and address the cost-of-living crisis.
The new ‘Beans is How’ initiative, coordinated by the Center for the Defense of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG2), promotes the food products as a “one solution” to the climate, health and economic challenges facing the planet.
“Everyone is concerned right now: how can we prepare nutritious meals for our families when money is tight? How can we help address the climate crisis?” says Paul Newnham, Executive Director of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub.
“How can we do something about the 3 billion people on this planet who are undernourished?”
“Beans is how we do it.”
If you are looking for an excuse to make yourself a plate of Beans on toast, read on.
What are the environmental benefits of eating beans?
Global food production is responsible for a third of all planet-warming gases emitted by human activity.
But not all foods they are created equal. Meat accounts for 60 percent of total food-related gases, and a single kilo of beef generates 70 kg of emissions.
Cattle grazing is also a big driver of deforestationparticularly in vulnerable ecosystems such as the Amazon rainforest.
Beans release 90 percent less greenhouse gases than some animal proteins. They also improve soil health, adding nitrogen to the soil and reducing the need for fertilizers.
However, on average, only 21 g of pulses are eaten per person per day compared to 112 g of meat.
Changing this imbalance could reduce stress on the planet, advocates at Beans is How insist.
“I love beans: I cook beans, I grow beans, I eat beans. I’ve never met a bean I didn’t like. They are small nuggets 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 adviser.
“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 them sexy,” she added.
Are beans good for the cost of living and hunger crises?
43 million people in 38 countries around the world are at risk of famine or severe hunger crisis, meaning the slightest shock to food systems could deprive them of their livelihoods.
But beans are cheap and high in protein. meat alternative. Dry beans alone cost on average $1.00 (€0.96) for 500 grams.
New bean varieties are also being explored all the time. In recent years, bean breeders at the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) have developed more than 500 new varieties, increasing the nutritional value of the humble legume.
Nearly one fifth of the population of Rwanda now eats iron-fortified beans, which provide 80 percent of the iron needs of young children and non-pregnant women
“Beans, legumes, legumes and peas come in thousands of varieties. Beans are an excellent crop for farmers to grow and are rich in protein and iron,” said Dr. Agnes Kalibata, AGRA President, former special envoy to the United Nations Food Systems Summit and bean advocate. .
“Beans are good for you: every time you eat beans, you are supporting a family for better income and better nutrition, and you are helping soils to regenerate. This is a super vintage in every way,” she said.
The Beans Is How campaign is convening an advisory council specializing in bean science and innovation to determine how the goal of doubling consumption can be measured and achieved.
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