We know that avocados are delicious, but just one kilogram of the green fruit requires 1,000 liters of water to produce, which makes them highly polluting. And avocados are not alone, there are many other fashionable foods that consume too many resources and damage the environment. Here is a list of some of these and suggested replacements that are just as tasty.
Almond milk or water milk?
Milk drinkers who turn vegetarian or vegan often become consumers of almond milk. But they are probably not aware that almond production is far from respectful of environmental constraints. More than 80% of global production comes from California, a state that has been plagued by decades of drought, which played a key role in recent megafires. The problem is that a single almond needs four liters of water to grow. So to produce a liter of almond milk, which requires around 250 grams of these precious seeds... Well, I'll leave it to you to calculate the amount of water consumed.
But what about replacing almond milk with hazelnut milk? As you might expect, hazel trees remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Better still, they are pollinated by the wind and not by bees, so you need not worry that their cultivation will result in the extreme use of our much-maligned winged friends, who are currently very much at risk. The icing on the cake is that hazel trees also grow in temperate climates with abundant water supplies.
Rice, king of methane
Yes, we all like maki and pad thai, but rice cultivation produces a greenhouse gas that is much more polluting than CO2: methane. What 's more, rice requires large quantities of water to grow more than 2,000 liters for one kilogram.
What about replacing this cereal grain with one that is grown locally near you? For instance both barley and spelt are inexpensive, filling and nutritious. Depending on your taste, you might also want to try out the hulled and pearled varieties of barley. Pearled is best for side dishes because it cooks faster. For its part, spelt is rich in fiber and protein. And you might want to consider freekeh, teff, farro and kamut. If you haven't already tried them, these Middle Eastern, African and Anatolian specialties will broaden your culinary horizons.
Farmed salmon is toxic
Farmed salmon is not only polluting, it is also toxic. A team of Norwegian researchers has warned that the fish may contain dioxins and PCB, which are known to increase the risk of cancer among pregnant women and young people. Norwegian authorities have even issued a recommendation not to eat it. Worse still, salmon farms, which are highly polluting, produce tons of excrement and release large quantities of pesticides and antibiotics into the environment. In short, this is one food that really ought to be banned and you should have no qualms about dropping it from your diet.
As for a replacement, you could always try wild salmon. Of course, it is more expensive, notably because it is relatively rare, but it is way better than salmon raised in cages. Wild salmon is easy to recognize from its color, which is a deeper reddish orange, and by the fact that the flesh is not marbled with fat.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Fri Sep 04 2020
Four liters of water are required to grow a single almond. AFPRelaxpic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.