Sustainability has become a major issue in the 21st century. This is especially true for businesses and corporations, who need to ensure that they are environmentally friendly in every aspect of their business model.
Soy-based companies are also promoting sustainability by working to find ways to make their products more sustainable.
One of the easiest ways to get sustainability through soy is by using it as a replacement for other products. There are many different forms of soy, including whole beans, flour, and oil. Each form has different uses and benefits, but all are useful in promoting sustainability. Below are other different ways in which soy can promote sustainability;
- Soy is a Renewable Resource
Soy foods are a renewable resource that can be grown every year. Hence, a consistent food supply cannot deplete the natural resources required to grow them. It contrasts with non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels, which eventually run out.
Renewable food sources such as soy will help ensure food sustainability in the long run. Additionally, using soybeans as a source of food can help reduce pressure on other less sustainable sources of protein, such as beef. It helps create a more sustainable food system that can meet the needs of a growing global population.
- Soybeans are a High-Protein Crop
Soybeans are a high-protein crop, meaning they can be a valuable source of protein for humans and animals.
There are several ways in which this can contribute to sustainability. First, using soy can help reduce the need for more resource-intensive forms of protein, such as beef. Beef production is resource intensive as it requires a lot of lands, water, and feed. It can negatively affect the environment through soil erosion and deforestation.
Beef farming also contributes to climate change because cattle produce methane gas as a by-product during their digestive process. Methane gas is a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more effective in trapping heat than carbon dioxide. This means even small emissions of methane gas can have a huge impact on climate change.
Overall, using soybeans as a source of protein reduces the demand for beef and other unsustainable protein sources, which helps create a more sustainable food system.
- Soybean Oil Can Be Used as A Biofuel
There are various ways soybean oil can be used as a biofuel to promote sustainability. For one, biofuels are a renewable energy source and can be produced without depleting the natural resources required to produce them. On the other hand, non-renewable sources of energy, such as fossil fuels, eventually run out.
Therefore, biofuels like soybean oil help reduce dependence on non-renewable sources. Reducing dependence on non-renewable sources helps move towards a more sustainable energy system.
Additionally, soybean oil as a biofuel can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is possible as many biofuels, including soybean oil, produce fewer gas emissions when burned, which helps combat climate change and promote a more sustainable future.
Finally, soybean oil as a biofuel can help create jobs and support local economies. Soybean oil production can help create jobs in manufacturing and agricultural fields. In turn, it helps stimulate local economies, improving the local communities’ living standards.
- Soybeans are a Versatile Crop
Soybeans are a versatile crop, which means they can be used in various ways, including meat and milk substitutes. This versatility can help promote sustainability in different ways. First, soy’s versatility can help diversify food sources and make the food system more resilient.
Relying on different crops as opposed to one can help create sustainability by reducing over-reliance on one food crop. And further help protects against potential disruptions to the food supply system. It is essential for sustainability, as a resilient food system can better meet the needs of a growing global population.
Additionally, using soybeans in various products can help reduce pressure on other, less sustainable food sources and other products. For example, soy milk as a dairy alternative can help reduce demand for cow’s milk, which can be resource-intensive.
- Soybeans are a Nitrogen-Fixing Crop
Soybeans are a nitrogen-fixing crop that can help improve soil health and fertility by adding nitrogen. This can be beneficial for sustainability in a few different ways.
First, it can help reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, which can have negative environmental impacts.
Synthetic fertilizers can leach into waterways, which can cause pollution and are also energy-intensive. Using soybeans to add nitrogen to the soil can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and move toward a more sustainable farming system.
As a nitrogen-fixing crop, soybeans can help improve soil health and fertility. Healthy soil is essential for sustainable agriculture, as it is the foundation for growing healthy crops.
By adding nitrogen to the soil, soybeans can help improve soil structure, water retention, and other important factors for supporting healthy crops. This can help increase the productivity and sustainability of our agricultural systems.
Bottom-Line
Sustainability through soy products can be derived by using them as a sustainable alternative to meat and dairy products. Soy products are better for the environment than meat and dairy.
This is because they don’t require as much land or water to produce and have a smaller carbon footprint. Soy products are also better for the environment because they don’t pollute as much and cause fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
