Nondairy Milk Does the Environment Good
December 16, 2009 – 2:07 pm
In our culture, sustainability is on the brain, so why not wash that idea down and let it digest with a glass of nondairy milk? If truth be told, soymilk, rice milk, grain milk and hemp milk are not all that bad tasting. Some taste just as close and maybe even better than the real thing. Who knew soybeans could taste that good as a liquid?
While some might drink nondairy milk for ethical reasons, drinking it can also be for a sustainable reason. The production of dairy products is more damaging to the environment than you might think.
In the United States, there are approximately 65, 000 dairy farms, and they produce more than 20 billion gallons of milk for Americans each year. About 2,000 cows are housed, which means that food production and waste management is necessary to care for these animals. For example, 66% of grain harvested in America is fed to animals raised for food and milk production. In addition, large amounts of water are wasted to clean and hydrate the livestock, and their excessive amount of waste results in nitrate polluted runoff. Degradation of land occurs in 40% of the world’s agricultural lands too. As these statistics show, dairy production is not the most efficient and kind process on the environment.
Nondairy milks offer a sustainable alternative to traditional milk. They are derived from beans and grains, which can be processed more efficiently than turning a cow into a milking machine. If milk was no longer produced, the land used to house, feed and clean the livestock could be more effectively used to plant soybean and grain.
An added plus to nondairy milk is that it’s healthy for your body. You can still consume your daily amount of calcium and vitamin D if you choose the right nondairy milk. Many of them are also low in fat and high on protein like soymilk.
The next time you sit down for breakfast, opt for a tall glass of nondairy milk. Not only is it more sustainable for the environment, it’s also just as nutritious for your bones and body.
Tags: nondairy milk, soymilk