98%

Growth

in net sales, 2019 - 2020

222%

Increase

in subscribers to Laird Superfoods, 2017 - June 2021

7100

Retail Stores

currently carry Laird Superfood products

View Our Analysis

The Path to Drawdown: Plant-based Diet

The meat-centric diet in industrialized countries is responsible for one-fifth of global emissions. Land clearing, fertilizer use, and methane from burping cattle combined take an enormous toll on the environment and the climate.

Shifting to a diet that’s rich in plants is a demand-side solution that reduces emissions and tends to be healthier. If the world adopted a vegan diet, business-as-usual emissions could be reduced by as much as 70%. A vegetarian diet could reduce those emissions by 63%. In addition, adopting a plant-based diet could help save $1 trillion in annual health-care costs and lost productivity.

Global dietary preferences based on meat, fish and dairy products are deeply ingrained in Western cultures, and they will likely be taken up by lower-income countries as they develop. Widespread dietary change will require plant-based options that are widely available, visible, and enticing, including high-quality meat substitutes.

Project Drawdown estimates that, if 75% of the global population adopts a plant-rich diet by 2050, it could reduce GHG emissions by up to 91.72 gigatons: 68.32 gigatons from diverted agricultural production, 23.16 gigatons from avoided land conversion, and 0.24 gigatons from sequestration from ecosystem protection.

What We Want to See Improve

Report GHG Emissions

As a young company, Laird Superfood doesn’t yet report their direct or indirect GHG emissions. Shipping, both from their vendors and suppliers, and to customers and retail stores must account for a large part of their emissions, but we can’t confirm this without accurate tracking and reporting. We urge LSF to disclose their scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in an annual report.

Set Emissions Reduction Goals

We’re encouraged by the steps LSF is taking to enhance their sustainability and to achieve carbon neutrality. But we want them to go even further by setting targets to reduce absolute emissions, rather than simply offsetting the emissions from their shipping. We want these reductions to be in the context of clear, quantified targets in a specific timeframe.

Enhance Supplier Transparency

Laird Superfoods sources their raw materials globally, and coffee beans from Peru (p. 12). We’re curious who these suppliers are and what their carbon footprints look like. We encourage Laird’s to enhance the transparency around their suppliers.

Related Plant-Based Diet Stocks in the Climate Index

View All Climate Index Stocks →

Allocated Company Description

0.49%

Oatly Group AB (OTLY)

Oatley makes alternatives to dairy products from oats like milk, frozen desserts, and yogurt. Plant-based food can greatly cut emissions from agriculture

0.40%

Beyond Meat (BYND)

Beyond Meat makes burgers, sausages, beef, and meatballs from plant-based sources. Plant-based diet can massively cut emissions from agriculture

0.28%

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (HAIN)

HAIN sells meat alternative and plant-based food made from soy, rice, oats, almonds and coconut. Plant-based food is a key Drawdown solution

0.05%

SunOpta Inc. (STKL)

SunOpta makes plant-based and fruit-based food and beverage products. Plant-based diet can cut emissions from agriculture

0.02%

Burcon NutraScience Corp. (BRCN)

BRCN makes plant proteins and ingredients that go into food and beverage products. Plant-based food can massively cut emissions from agriculture

0.02%

Laird Superfood, Inc. (LSF)

Laird Superfood makes plant-based and functional foods for optimal well-being and high-performance. Plant-based diet is a key Drawdown solution

0.02%

MeaTech 3D Ltd. (MITC)

MeaTech makes lab-grown meat that’s 3D printed using stem cells. Their process doesn’t harm animals. Meat-free diet can massively cut agriculture emissions

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