What’s the real cost of protein?

As more of us start thinking about how our food choices affect the climate, it’s clear that protein deserves a closer look. The type of protein we eat plays a really big role in the health of the planet and in the lives of animals, too.

Animal protein is driving climate breakdown

The truth is, farming animals for food is one of the most damaging things we’re doing to the environment. Especially when it’s done on an industrial scale.

Factory farms churn out cheap meat by packing animals into crowded sheds, often with little to no access to the outdoors. It’s not just cruel, it’s resource-intensive and incredibly polluting. These systems rely on massive amounts of land (often cleared from forests), water, and feed crops, and they’re pumping out huge volumes of greenhouse gases along the way.

Beef and lamb are among the worst for emissions, but even intensively farmed chickens and pigs come with a heavy footprint.

Plant-based protein is better for the planet and animals

Swapping animal protein for plant-based alternatives is one of the simplest ways we can reduce our environmental impact.

Foods like beans, lentils, tofu, nuts and seeds use far less water and land, and they produce a fraction of the emissions. They also don’t come with the same ethical costs as factory-farmed meat or dairy.

Plant-based diets:

• Use way less water

• Emit far fewer greenhouse gases

• Help protect forests and biodiversity

And no... you don’t need to be 100% vegan to make a difference. Every plant-based meal counts.

What about meat alternatives?

Not all of them are perfect, but most meat alternatives are still miles ahead of traditional meat in terms of environmental impact.

Whether it’s a veggie burger made from peas or lentils, these products use fewer resources and are helping more people reduce their reliance on factory-farmed meat.

What you can do

You don’t need to be perfect. It’s not about restriction — it’s about awareness and choice.

A few easy wins:

• Build meals around plants: beans, pulses, veg, grains

• Cut down on red meat: especially beef and lamb

• Buy local and seasonal when you can