The Jordan Harbinger Show 779: Almonds | Skeptical Sunday
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Jan 15, 2023 David C. Smalley, a comedian and fact-checker, joins to dissect the environmental issues surrounding almonds. They reveal that, despite being heralded as a health food, almonds have a significant ecological impact. Almond farming requires massive water consumption—up to 1,900 gallons per pound—and poses risks to bee populations due to pesticides. The duo challenges the perception of almond milk as a health alternative, exposing its contents and questioning the ethics of these dietary choices. It’s a compelling look at the hidden costs of a popular snack!
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Almonds and Almond Milk: Environmental Impact
- Almonds are harmful to the environment, unlike other enjoyable but harmful things like diesel trucks.
- Almond milk is mostly water, sugar, and additives, with only 2% almonds.
Bee Deaths from Almond Farming
- Almond farming kills 30-50 million bees yearly due to pesticide use, even on organic farms.
- These pesticides harm bees and weaken their immune systems, leading to widespread death.
Water Consumption of Almonds
- One almond requires over a gallon of water to produce, meaning a serving uses 23 gallons.
- One pound requires 1900 gallons, with California producing 100% of US almonds and 80% worldwide.