Insects in the Future

It is widely known that insects are an essential part in our world. Some insects play a role in aerating the soil, some serve as pollinators of plants, and some act as scavengers that fertilize the soil by feeding on dead organisms. However, little know that insects can be a replacement for food later in the future. When I first knew about this, I was extremely interested because replacing our food source with insects means that we can reduce the pollution caused from raising livestock.

Last week, I visited an insect farm. There, I was able to learn about different species of insects and also actually see some beetles and their pupae. Lastly, the guide there showed us mealworms, which are famous as edible insects. I had seen them in their edible form in the past, but it was my first time seeing them alive!

There are so many benefits in using insects as a replacement for livestock:
1. less food, water, and land needed to raise the animals
2. reduction of air pollution caused by the livestock
3. nutritious and full of protein

As the environment gets polluted, we may need to turn to these edible insects as our main source of food other than plants in order to save our planet.

by Ji Won Cindy Kim