Here’s some food for thought: can a PB&J sandwich help save the world? According to the PB&J Campaign, a project of social and environmental entrepreneurs who are looking to make a difference in the environment, consumers can lend a hand by taking at-home environmentalism to the next level. Peanuts are known for their healthy attributes, portability and convenience, and peanuts are once again proving to be even more powerful than we thought.
How does it work? The PB&J campaign is an effort to combat environmental destruction by eating a plant-based diet that’s based on consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. The idea is that any plant-based meal you eat, such as a PB&J, instead of one based on meat, fish, eggs or dairy products, the bigger impact you can have on helping the environment. Imagine, eating peanut butter helping to save the world.
How are peanuts and the environment linked, you ask? If you consider that the peanut is a legume, it only makes sense that the environment and sustainability are extremely important to the peanut industry. Since peanuts and peanut butter is a staple in most households, more and more people are asking questions related to where our food comes from and the conditions in which it is produced. The good news is that USA peanuts are produced in accordance with sound agricultural practices and contain many benefits such as high levels of protein and fibre that have been proven to help keep you healthy and strong.
Peanut farmers take their role and responsibility of providing an ample, high-quality and safe supply of peanuts to food manufacturers and consumers seriously. They continue to work hard to dramatically improve their environmentally favourable crop production practices. For consumers, this mean a higher quality end product produced using energy and land resources efficiently. Sustainability remains a priority to the peanut industry, a factor important to consider when consumers make an informed purchase of peanuts or peanut products.
Think of it this way. Each time you eat a PB&J, you make a difference. So when you’re on the run (literally) this summer, why not grab a PB&J for the road? It only takes a couple minutes to prepare, yet is so healthy and satisfying.
Follow the links below to recipe ideas that will help you begin a more environmentally conscious – and healthy – diet: www.peanutbureau.ca and www.peanutbutterlovers.com
For more information on the PB&J Campaign and how you can get involved, visit www.pbjcampaign.org.