Academy Award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio has invested in California start-up Beyond Meat. Launched last year, the business makes vegan, plant-based patties that look like meat and are cooked in the same way. The sustainable burgers are made from coconut oil, beetroot, peas and potato starch and are free of soy, gluten and GMO.
Self-labelled as the “future of protein,” Beyond Meat’s sustainable patties contain 20g of plant protein per serving. Posting on Instagram, DiCaprio explained his decision: “Shifting the protein in your diet from animal meat to the plant-based proteins developed by Beyond Meat is one of the most powerful measures someone can take to reduce their impact on our climate. Proud to be an investor in@BeyondMeat to help combat climate change.”
In a press release the actor pointed out the severe consequences eating meat has on the environment. “Livestock production is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Shifting from animal meat to the plant-based meats developed by Beyond Meat is one of the most powerful measures someone can take to reduce their impact on our climate,” he said. “The company’s ability to create healthy meat directly from plants will go a long way in helping everyday consumers take action on climate change.”
Last month DiCaprio called out President Trump for his “astounding level of wilful ignorance and inaction” in regards to the environment. Also last month, the actor and environmentalist’s conservation foundation donated an incredible $20 million to support wildlife protection, climate change and marine conservation.
