Pulse’s Sustainability: Easy to Grow, Easy to Share
A Well-Fed World
Eating pulses is a simple choice to help mitigate climate change. Pulses have a low carbon footprint. Nodules on their root systems enable the plants to pull nitrogen from the air and store it in their roots, where it can then be released to fuel the plant’s growth and development. This greatly reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and leaves behind useful nitrogen in the soil for the next crop.
Pulses are water efficient. They extract water from a shallow depth, leaving moisture deep in the soil for other crops. This makes pulses well-adapted to grow in drought-prone areas. Agriculture accounts for nearly 70% of global water use, and the demand for water in food production is only expected to increase as the population grows. However, studies show that replacing half of all animal products with nutritious plant-based foods like pulses can help reduce the use of water in food production by up to 30%.
Pulses naturally enrich and restore soil health by increasing microbial biomass and activity in the soil, improving biodiversity, and boosting farmland productivity for future crops. For this reason, pulses are commonly used in rotation with other crops like cereal grains, increasing yields for future harvests and reducing the use of scarce natural resources.
Like other legumes, pulses grow in pods. However, pulses are unique in that the plants dry naturally in the fields and are harvested in a shelf-stable form. Harvested pulses can be stored for up to two years, and up to five years when canned, meaning that pulses play a significant role in reducing food waste, another contributor to climate change.
A good source of protein and rich in fiber and other essential nutrients, pulses can enhance the health and resilience of our communities across the globe, now and for future generations. Nutrient dense, accessible, and a replenishing option for our soils, pulses are part of a sustainable solution to mitigating the impacts of climate change while feeding the growing global population.
Great for our planet
The Pros of Pulses
Swapping a portion of animal protein for pulses is a great way to save money and stretch out your groceries. Swaptions include:
Low-Impact, High-Reward
Pulses give more than they take
Water-efficient, low-carbon, and nutrient-rich, pulses improve soil health, reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25%, resulting in cleaner air and healthier soil. Unlike animal proteins or comparable crops, they require far less water while delivering the same (or better!) essential nutrients.
Lasting Freshness
Pulses fight food waste
When canned or dried, pulses have a long shelf life and don't require refrigeration, cutting down on food waste and ensuring nutrition reaches more communities. Their versatility makes them an easy substitute in many dishes, providing endless options for healthy, sustainable meals.
Growing More with Less
Pulses make better farming possible
By enriching soil health, pulses optimize yields, increasing grain production by 30% and protein yields by 50%. They also act as a natural defense against pests and weeds, reducing the need for harmful chemicals and benefiting the environment.
Low-Impact, High-Reward
Pulses give more than they take
Water-efficient, low-carbon, and nutrient-rich, pulses improve soil health, reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25%, resulting in cleaner air and healthier soil. Unlike animal proteins or comparable crops, they require far less water while delivering the same (or better!) essential nutrients.
Lasting Freshness
Pulses fight food waste
When canned or dried, pulses have a long shelf life and don't require refrigeration, cutting down on food waste and ensuring nutrition reaches more communities. Their versatility makes them an easy substitute in many dishes, providing endless options for healthy, sustainable meals.
Growing More with Less
Pulses make better farming possible
By enriching soil health, pulses optimize yields, increasing grain production by 30% and protein yields by 50%. They also act as a natural defense against pests and weeds, reducing the need for harmful chemicals and benefiting the environment.