Who knew fighting global warming could taste so good?
Yummy plant-based meat substitutes are a rapidly growing new market, not just saving the planet but in the process also creating great new jobs as well as a solid business opportunity. The nationwide USA release of Beyond Meat’s new sausage product, for example, comes just in time for the 2018 backyard barbecuing season.
What’s not to like? I bought a package today and grilled it up and wow, it really was tasty… I couldn’t tell the difference between it and a traditional, meat sausage.
Why is plant-based protein such a good climate change solution? One of the biggest sources of global warming-causing greenhouse gases is the meat industry… surprisingly polluting when you take into account its entire Value Stream.
I predict that initially, market acceptance will likely be by green-aware consumers doing the right thing to save the planet… or folks simply wanted to live longer, healthier lives – an obvious win which should be a no-brainer. There has also long been a strong ethical case for cutting back or eliminating meat intake.
But later, as world population – growing by 80 million a year – finally outgrows useable land I predict there will simply be a shift of investment away from cattle and toward grain – including plant-based proteins that taste good.
Again, these phases signal not just a smart climate solution, but also a growing and prosperous industry.
Take a look at Beyond Meat, one early mover in this emerging industry… as the saying goes, “To save the planet, invest your working life.” Businesses like this could be a great way for young people to do exactly that, and I urge readers to consider such a career.
And, as the OTHER saying goes, “To save the planet, change yourself first.” In this case, kindly consider switching several of your meals each week – away from meat and to a tasty plant-based protein product?
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Not sure how to start saving the planet (civilization, really)? Start by always remembering Al Gore’s famous saying: “Hope is a renewable resource.”
Then, our practical answer becomes “Deeply know the personal Superpowers” we all bring to the game of life:
1) To save the planet, CHANGE OURSELVES FIRST;
2) To save the planet, INVEST OUR WORKING LIVES;
3) To save the planet, USE OUR VOICES and take advocacy seriously! Never miss a vote and never, ever stop influencing your government and all businesses locally, at the state level, and at the national level. As well, set a solid example for all around you to see. Jawbone to others about what we need to do, and influence them as peers. Finally, have an annual cash donations program. All of these are ways we can use our voices.
Stay focussed: Lead the way with substantive global warming solutions. (Far from being a bummer, this is actually a fun trend for each of us to be part of… get energized!) Our kids and their kids will be proud of us.
And in all cases and at all times, cast aside the learned-helplessness that infects so much of modern life… the time is now for climate change solutions. Never give up.
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Global Warming, You and I 