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01 Advantages of insects as a food source over beef. 02 Microalgae.
03 Fresh Water Footprint.
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litres of freshwater and 125 square metres of fertile land are required to produce one kilogramme of beef-sourced essential amino acids. In comparison, it takes only 20 litres of freshwater and 1.6 square metres of non- fertile land to produce one kilogramme of microalgae-sourced essential amino acids. Switching our protein to microalgae instead of other high-protein sources also offers dietary benefit. Microalgae are a viable alternative to fish oil.
Food is largely cultural. Most consumers tend to stay with traditional diet. Education to raise their awareness should start from young so that consumers understand the impact of climate change and are open to accepting these alternative food sources. For consumers in Asia, naturally-occurring food sources such as microalgae and insects would be easier to be accepted. It is important to note that the fast-rising middle-class consumers in Asia would be wary of their social status, including diet. Alternative food sources should therefore be presented to consumers as new options in their diet, as opposed to being perceived as a replacement. The demand for alternative foods would then be translated into higher production which will in turn lower the cost and lead to the successful development of urban farming in Singapore and beyond.
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