Insects have an extremely short reproduction cycle compared to traditional livestock (weeks instead of months/years) and need less land, water and feed. Insects are poikilothermic, which means that their body temperature adapts to the temperature of their surroundings, which makes them even more sustainable as no or less energy is needed to maintain their body temperature. All parts of an insect can be used for the food and pharmaceutical industry and their waste streams are an excellent source of (organic) fertiliser. There are no left-overs after the production cycle. Insects produce very little to no methane or other hazardous gasses with negative effect on the environment.
10x
less feed
To produce
the same amount
of beef
100x
less GHG
Production
than
cows
100x
less time
To produce
the same amount
of beef
200x
less land
In comparison to traditional
livestock
2500x
less water
To produce the same quality and quantity of beef
2x
More
Protein in
insects compared
to beef
References:
Environmental Impact of the Production of Mealworms as a Protein Source for Humans –
A Life Cycle Assesment. PLoS ONE 7, e51145.
– Oonincx, D. G. A. B. and De Boer, I. J. M. (2012)
Insects to Feed the World. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed 1: 3-5
– Van Huis, A., Dicke, M. and Van Loon, J.J.A. (2015)