For those of us trying to reduce our impact on the environment, switching from meat to soy products seems like a great way to start. Switching to soy can help us avoid some of the treacherous issues surrounding meat production, obtain protein and fiber, and have a satisfying meal. However, I have been thinking about whether or not soy beans and soy products are actually sustainable.
My main concerns about this arose last night as I chowed down on a frozen veggie burger in the cafeteria. I looked at the specks of color, beans, grains, and other vegetables and wondered where they came from, how they were produced, and how long it took to get to my plate.
What concerns me most is the origin of the soy. Practically all of the soy we consume here is grown in the US and Brazil--most of it is not organic or grown sustainably. Worse, the soybeans grown in Brazil are one of the main causes of deforestation.
I have no definitive answers on this for you, and my impending preliminary exams preclude me from researching this issue fully. This is a classic example of how tricky sustainable eating can be. In short order, do the best you can by focusing on whole, local foods. If you are a college student like me, a veggie burger might definitely seem like a better option than some of those mystery meat items...
