The downsides of a plant-based diet: a new study on sustainability

One of the most startling findings of the research is that almond milk is extremely water-intensive to produce. A single glass of almond milk requires 130 pints of water, more than the average shower. Growing avocados also raises serious ethical and ecological questions. The fruit’s popularity has grown to such an extent that in some regions, its cultivation has been accompanied by cartels, child labor and illegal deforestation. Furthermore, the practice of migratory beekeeping for pollination is also not considered sustainable, which places an additional burden on the ecosystem.

Cashew farming is driven by deforestation and biodiversity loss, which could have serious long-term environmental consequences. While oat milk may seem like a more sustainable option, the study found that many leading UK brands import the raw material from abroad, significantly increasing the carbon emissions associated with transportation.

The research suggests that it is not just the raw materials themselves that are at risk, but also highly processed vegan products such as plant-based burgers and lab-grown meats, which are often energy-intensive to produce and have a significant carbon footprint in their supply chains.

The Oxford study highlights that the issue of sustainable nutrition is more complex than previously thought. The researchers say it is important for consumers to make conscious food choices and consider their full environmental impact, regardless of whether they are plant-based or animal-based. This shift in mindset is essential to making the food supply and human nutrition more sustainable in the long term.