On Earth Day, conversations about sustainability often focus on energy, transportation and industry. Yet one of the most important ― and immediate ― connections to the environment begins much closer to home: on our farms and at our tables.
Across the United States, soybean farmers are playing an increasingly important role in advancing sustainable agriculture. In fact, in Iowa, a number of farmers are growing organic and non-GMO soybeans destinated for domestic tofu production and markets.
Through innovations such as no-till farming, improved soil management and more efficient use of inputs, today’s growers are producing crops with a smaller environmental footprint than ever before. These practices matter because soybeans are at the heart of one of the most efficient protein systems available. When used for human consumption, soy delivers high-quality nutrition with significantly fewer resources than many animal-based proteins. Foods like tofu transform soybeans into a versatile, nutrient-dense option that supports both environmental stewardship and human health.
The environmental advantages are clear. Producing plant-based protein generally requires less land and water, and results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. For farmers, this efficiency translates into the ability to produce more food while conserving natural resources. For consumers, it offers an opportunity to make choices that align with sustainability goals.
At the same time, tofu provides meaningful health benefits. It is a complete protein, naturally low in saturated fat and free of cholesterol. For families seeking affordable, nutritious options, it represents a practical way to support long-term health without sacrificing taste or convenience.
Importantly, the story of tofu is also a story of connection ― between farmers, food producers and consumers. Every block of tofu begins with soybeans grown in fields across America, often by multi-generational farm families committed to responsible land stewardship. Their work ensures that the food system can meet today’s needs while preserving resources for future generations.
This connection is especially relevant in the Midwest, where agriculture is both an economic driver and a way of life. Supporting plant-based foods like tofu is not only a choice about diet ― it is also a way to support farmers who are adopting sustainable practices and contributing to a resilient food system.
Earth Day is an opportunity to recognize these connections and to consider how our choices ripple outward. When we choose foods that are efficient to produce and beneficial to our health, we reinforce a system that values both people and the planet.
There is no single solution to the environmental challenges we face. But there are practical steps we can take every day. Incorporating more plant-based meals into our diets is one of the simplest and most impactful.
Iowans understandably love beef, pork and poultry. I do, too. But even replacing one meal with plant-based ingredients can have tremendous environmental and health benefits without disrupting Iowa’s cherished traditions and way of life. And creating a greater demand for organic and non-GMO soybeans will create new opportunities and more income for Iowa farmers.
Tofu offers a compelling example of how food can be both sustainable and accessible. It bridges the gap between agriculture and nutrition, between environmental responsibility and everyday life.
This Earth Day, as we reflect on the importance of protecting our natural resources, we can also celebrate the role that farmers, food producers and consumers play in shaping a more sustainable future. Sometimes, the most powerful changes begin with something as simple as what we choose to put on our plate.
Masaki Shinoda is the general manager of business development for House Foods Holding USA, which is one of the nation’s largest tofu producers.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: This Earth Day, remember soy supports a sustainable future | Opinion
Reporting by Masaki Shinoda, Guest columnist / Des Moines Register
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