Final answer:
The Exo energy bar is more environmentally-friendly because it has a lower energy factor and requires fewer resources than traditional meat sources. In a survival scenario, it would be sensible to consume it for nutrition. Responsible consumption and minimizing waste also contribute to a sustainable diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Exo energy bar is considered to be a more environmentally-friendly source of protein due to its lower energy factor and reduced impact on natural resources, as compared to traditional sources such as chicken or beef. Traditional meat production requires extensive land, water and energy resources. Moreover, it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. For instance, only partial inclusion of poultry in one's diet and the majority of energy from plant-based sources is nearly equivalent to a vegan diet, indicating significantly reduced environmental impact.
In a worst-case scenario where the Exo energy bar is the only available food, acceptance would likely be a question of survival rather than preference. As the Exo energy bar provides necessary nutrition and is energy-efficient to produce, it would be a pragmatic choice to consume it to maintain one's health.
Fisheries, another source of dietary protein, are not managed sustainably, creating a shift towards smaller fish species and ecological imbalances. Likewise, the transformation towards a plant-based diet faces resistance due to historical dietary practices, but evidential studies like those by Lynch et al. suggest no disadvantages to athletic performance from a plant-based diet compared to an omnivorous diet.
Understanding that energy and resource conservation is a quantitative matter, it's helpful to acknowledge that subtle changes in dietary habits towards less resource-intensive food can create a significant environmental benefit without rigid abstinence from meat. The ethos of minimizing waste is also integral to environmental stewardship, advocating for eating food that would otherwise be discarded.