In the world of today where weather patterns are leading to extremes, eating sustainably should be a topic that concerns all consumers in all countries. For meat eaters this can present challenges as many consumers feel that the meat industry is accelerating the demise of our environment. But among these choices of beef, chicken or pork, chicken stands out as the most environmentally friendly option.
Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Poultry has one of the lowest greenhouse gas emissions when compared to other animal proteins. That means according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that chicken farming generates significantly less carbon dioxide and methane compared to beef or lamb. To get an idea what that means, for every kilogram of beef produced, 27 kg of CO2 can be emitted for every kilogram of meat produced. Moreover, chicken will only emit about 6.9 kilograms. This huge difference makes poultry the obvious choice for meat eaters.
Efficient Feed Conversion
Although the actual raising of chicken is not free from controversy itself, one that is not in dispute is that chickens are highly efficient at converting feed into protein. What does this mean? Simply that for every pound that that chicken puts on during their growing phase, they consume around 1.8 pounds of feed, whereas a cow might need around 10 pounds of feed to do the same. So, eating beef means we will use much more land, water, and other energy sources to raise them. Chicken is much more efficient at turning feed to consumable protein.
Lower Land and Water Use
Chicken farming simply uses less land and water to get the final product to market. Chickens that graze or are raised in barns have confined spaces that limit their land use demands. How that translates is that for the same land space, a cow might feed 100 people whereas for the same space, 500 could be fed with chicken. And as a bonus, chickens demand much less water as well. For every pound (0.45 kg) of chicken produced, 1136 gallons (4300 liters) are required whereas for beef, 4095 gallons (15,500 liters) might be. Pound for pound and gallon for gallon, chicken provides far greater sustainability.
Natural Chicken Fertilizer
Chicken farming also has benefits beyond the chicken themselves. Because of their small size, chicken farming is very accessible to just about anyone. Small scale chicken farming is popular throughout the world because not only can the farmers control how they raise their chickens for their own consumption, but the chickens will help manage pests and produce natural fertilizers for healthier soils on their farms and land too. These natural fertilizers reduce the reliance on synthetic fertilizers which help sustain a more natural environment.
Reduced Impact on Biodiversity
Raising animals for consumption on a large scale is very demanding, especially cattle. The results are deforestation and habitat destruction; which ultimately jeopardizes biodiversity of that land. When we wipe out natural forests, we wipe out the diverse fauna and flora of that land. This destruction of biodiversity ultimately results in dead areas when the land is no longer used for farming. Although poultry does also contribute, the impact is on a much smaller scale leading to more preserved wildlands while maintaining biodiverse habitats.
Economic Viability and Accessibility
Ultimately, choosing chicken not only helps our desire to be more environmentally sustainable but it also comes with economic benefits. Chicken, because it is less demanding on our environment than other proteins like beef or pork, is much more affordable. Chicken provides the most bang for your hard earned dollar. By eating chicken, consumers will be supporting sustainable farming practices while also promoting food security and economic stability in all communities.
Better for You and Our Planet
When chicken is compared side by side with all other animals raised for consumption, the beneficial impact on the environment and sustainability become more obvious. Because of its lower CO2 production, efficient feed conversion, reduced land and water use, agriculture benefits, and reduced impact on biodiversity, chicken rises above the rest. As we continue to make informed choices to support sustainable food practices, consider choosing chicken as the primary protein for you and your family. Organic and antibiotic-free chicken farms that raise our Jidori Chicken, make an even stronger case for why chicken is better for you and for our planet.