Earth Day is the perfect time to hit pause and give our planet some love. It’s also a reminder that our health and the health of the Earth are more connected than we might think. Take sugar, for example. In high amounts, it not only wreaks havoc on our bodies, but its production also has a significant impact on the planet.
At Oobli, we're on a mission to help you cut back on sugar, not just for our food, but for the sake of the planet too. Because a healthier you means a healthier Earth!
The Hidden Dangers of Sugar
It’s no secret that sugar contributes to a range of serious health issues, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions. However, what’s often overlooked is the equally devastating impact sugar has on the environment.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, more than 145 million tons of sugar is produced per year in about 120 countries. To put that in perspective, the land used for sugarcane cultivation is roughly the size of Italy. In fact, over 12 countries devote 25% of their arable land to growing sugarcane. Not only is sugarcane a high-maintenance crop, consuming vast amounts of land and water, but it’s far from sustainable. The cultivation of sugar produces environmental impacts far beyond what you’d expect. Let’s take a deeper look…
Deforestation and land use
Sugarcane occupies 65 million acres of land worldwide. Large-scale sugar production leads to deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. In many areas, it’s grown on steep hillsides, leading to severe soil erosion and increased water runoff. In fact, an estimated 5-6 million hectares of cropland are lost annually due to the soil degradation caused by sugar farming.
Water usage
Did you know that it takes 213 gallons of water to produce just one pound of refined cane sugar? To meet the projected global demand for sugar by 2050, growers will need to cultivate nearly 50% more land, further straining already scarce water resources.
Pesticides, chemicals and pollution
Sugarcane farming often relies heavily on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which pollute nearby freshwater ecosystems with silt and chemicals. These chemicals can devastate local wildlife and harm surrounding communities.
Carbon Footprint
The carbon footprint of sugar production is another major concern. From farming to transportation, the process releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
A Sweet Solution
This is where Oobli sweet proteins come in. Unlike traditional sugar production, sweet proteins can be created without harming the planet, and without using any land at all. Thanks to fermentation, we can “brew” eco-friendly, nature-identical sweet proteins. This method has been around for decades and is similar to the process used in making wine, beer or cheese. We like to think of it as “brewing.”
So, how does it work? It’s simple: You start with yeast and feed it sugar. The yeast ferments that sugar, which ultimately produces nature-identical sweet proteins. This process allows us to harness the sweetness of plants without growing and harvesting vast amounts of sugarcane. The best part is that we can produce sweet proteins locally, anywhere in the world, with a minimal environmental footprint, using local sugar stock from that region.
The Broader Impact of Sweet Proteins
Sugar serves a purpose. In fact, people do fine with small amounts of sugar in their diets. But when it’s consumed in overwhelming quantities, as it often is in addictive, highly processed foods, problems arise, both in our bodies and in our precious natural resources.
By rethinking the role of sugar in our ecosystem and replacing sugar with sweet proteins, we can make a significant, positive impact in the health of our planet. This shift can slow deforestation, reduce water usage and cut carbon emissions. In fact, a mere 1% reduction in sugarcane production would save 525,000 acres of land, 88 billion gallons of water and 1 million metric tons of carbon. Replacing sugar with sweet proteins also promotes more sustainable and ethical farming practices, creating opportunities for farmers and supporting local communities.This isn’t just about cutting back on sugar—it’s about rethinking its role in both our food system and the broader ecosystem, transforming how sugar is grown and integrated into our lives.
This Earth Day, check our our Earth Day page, and help protect and honor the planet with Oobli, the sweeter way.
