Why Eating More Seeds Is Good for the Planet
At PlantChi, our mission is to help people eat their values.
But what does that really mean?
For some folks, it means avoiding animal products to reduce animal suffering. For others, it means eating foods that are better for the planet—foods with a lower environmental impact, fewer resources required, and more harmony with nature. And for many, it means nourishing their bodies with simple, clean, real ingredients that support both well-being and sustainability.
Whatever your reason, what you eat is a reflection of what you care about.
You’ve probably heard the phrase “you are what you eat.” We believe it goes one step further: What you eat reflects your values.
And on Earth Day, we want to celebrate one of the most planet-loving food groups out there: seeds.
Eating seeds isn’t just good for you—it’s good for the Earth. Here’s why:
1. Seeds Require Fewer Resources
Hemp, flax, chia, sesame, and pumpkin seeds are champions of low-input farming. That means they don’t require excessive water, fertilizers, or synthetic pesticides to thrive. In a world where agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater use, seeds are a refreshingly low-maintenance crop.
2. Seeds Support Soil Health
Many seeds are grown using crop rotation or regenerative practices, which help rebuild soil structure, maintain biodiversity, and even reduce the need for synthetic chemicals. Some, like hemp, are known to clean and revitalize soil by absorbing toxins and excess carbon.
3. Seeds Have a Smaller Carbon Footprint—Even Compared to Other Plant-Based Proteins
We all know seeds have a lower environmental impact than animal-based proteins—no feedlots, no methane emissions, no excessive land or water use. But here’s the cool part: seeds often outperform other plant-based proteins, too.
Take soy or peas, for example. Soy cultivation has been linked to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Pea protein, while more sustainable than animal proteins, still involves processing methods that increase its environmental footprint. And turning them into protein powders or meat substitutes? That takes a lot of processing.
Hemp, especially, is carbon negative, meaning it actually pulls more CO₂ from the atmosphere while growing than it emits through farming and production. That’s like planting your values and helping the planet breathe a little easier.
Seeds like hemp, flax, chia, and pumpkin? They’re the low-drama stars of the protein world. Grown in diverse rotations, requiring minimal inputs, and packed with naturally occurring protein, fiber, and healthy fats—no lab coats needed.
So whether you're swapping in seeds instead of steak or subbing them in for that chalky plant-based protein powder, you’re choosing a more sustainable source of nutrition that supports both your health and the planet.
Sprinkle with purpose
So whether you’re here to eat more plants, reduce your impact, or just fill your plate up with simple ingredients, know this: You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference.
Even the smallest shifts—like eating more seeds—can support a more sustainable, regenerative future.
Happy Earth Day from all of us at PlantChi!
