Sustainability
The idea of sustainability is aptly captured in a sentence from the World Commission on Sustainable Development Report. Environment and Development of 1987. Our Common Future "sustainable development is development in which the needs of the present generation can be met without diminishing the chances of future generations to meet them.". In simpler terms: the idea is to find solutions that will guarantee continued growth but eliminate the risk of environmental catastrophe now and in the future.

Hemp meets all criteria for sustainable cultivation and development. Manufactured products from this plant are not only eco-friendly, but their life cycle is designed to be sustainable. This means that the product has no negative impact on the environment from the moment the hemp is planted, through harvesting, processing, production and disposal.

Impact of industrial farming on environmental degradation
Any commercial animal husbandry contributes to environmental degradation, except for small and carefully controlled ones (where animals are raised in a multi-species agricultural ecosystem that also includes afforestation) whose "ecological footprint" the environment absorbs and neutralizes. Animal husbandry is one of the factors seriously affecting climate change. It is estimated to cause annual emissions of approx.. 7.1 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), which is about 14.5-18% of all greenhouse gases for which humans are responsible. That's more than all transportation emits. Authors of some studies argue that these estimates are significantly underestimated and the amount of greenhouse gases produced by livestock farms may be as high as half of all anthropogenic emissions.

Farming is an extremely water-intensive industry. Absorbs nearly 1/10 of global drinking water consumption. It takes an average of 20,000 to produce 1 kg of meat. liters of water! In the case of beef, it can be as much as 50,000. liters!
Industrial animal breeding is an ecological disaster, resulting in:
- Pollution of soil and surrounding surface water
- Pollution of water bodies and disruption of drinking water management
- deforestation and land degradation
- Negative impact on biodiversity
- The ethical problem
- Negative impact of industrial farming on people and social life

A global dietary shift to increase consumption of plant-based foods instead of animal-based foods is believed to be the key to improving human and planetary health. Plant-based diet products are mainly based on soybeans. They make Tofu, Tempeh, Seitan, among others.. Legumes are also a rich source of plant protein: beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils and, of course, hemp.

Hemp-based meat
Hemp contains a very high amount of nutrients in ideal proportions for us.
Hemp seeds are a source of plant protein with a very low fat content. Contains no cholesterol or saturated fat and contains all the required amino acids needed to repair muscle cells, regulate the nervous system and improve brain function. It is one of the few non-genetically processed products. This is because the plant is very resilient and can handle all the difficulties on its own. No pesticides or herbicides are also used in breeding. Cannabis seeds have a lot of nutrients. They contain fiber, fatty acids, protein, minerals( iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, zinc and sodium) and vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, E, K2). They are low in carbohydrates.

In terms of weight, hemp seeds contain similar levels of protein to beef and lamb. Since 25% of calories come from protein, just 30 grams of hemp seeds or 2-3 tablespoons contain about 11 grams of protein. What's more, hemp seeds are considered a complete source of protein - something rare in the plant world - meaning that they provide all the essential amino acids that you can only get through diet. But that's not all.

Hemp food can treat heart disease. This is because cannabis has a high amount of the amino acid arginine, which produces nitric oxide in the body. It dilates blood vessels, which leads to lower blood pressure. Heart ailments are among the most common causes of death in the world, so it's all the more reason to eat this plant.

Unlike traditional meat products, seeds contain a lot of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. This makes seeds easier to digest than other sources of protein, such as cereals, nuts and legumes. As a result, we are seeing the emergence of meat alternatives that are not only healthier than traditional meat products, but also do not harm animals.

Hemp protein-based meat substitutes are now available on the market. Hempeat is a meat alternative based on texturized hemp protein, is one of four Green Lanes projects. Hempeat offers such products as: "jerk" beef, burgers, meatballs or ground meat.

Hemp-based products are completely safe for every consumer, including children. Only fiber hemp is used during manufacturing. According to the Law on Counteracting Drug Addiction, Polish law distinguishes between fibrous and non-fibrous cannabis. Fibrous are those that contain up to 0.3 percent of the. THC (a psychoactive cannabinoid).. Hemp protein is found in the grain, which contains no THC at all. Cannabinoids are found in the inflorescences and in the leaves. All products derived from grain do not contain psychoactive substances.

A tasty alternative
Remember that a properly balanced and varied plant-based diet can have a very beneficial effect on our health. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, improves lipid profile and reduces the risk of type two diabetes. However, it should be remembered that the basis is precisely the correct balance of the menu and the awareness that we need to meet the needs of our body for all micro- and macronutrients. Through diet and proper supplementation. Changing your diet to a plant-based one, or at least reducing the amount of meat you eat, goes a long way toward reducing environmental degradation and contributing to working toward sustainability. For the Earth, for us and for future generations.

Sources:
1. Nauka.gov.pl "Industrial animal breeding-an environmental and ethical disaster"
2. Gov.pl
3. Vegconomist
4. Portalspożywczy.pl