By Helen Lovell-Wayne, MS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-lovell-wayne/

https://www.instagram.com/agreenerftr/

hlovell@gmail.com

This paper was written with the sole intention of informing consumers about the goods they may currently be buying.  Hopefully, with enough demand from consumers, industries will supply safer and more sustainable products.

Cow milk is a staple in Western cultures.  In these societies, dairy milk is a ubiquitous nutrient-dense beverage and ingredient (Berardy, A., Rubin-Garcia, M. and Sabate, J. 2022 ).  As other societies’ economies become westernized, they consume more milk.  Consequently, the demand for it continues to increase each year (A. Singh et al.  2024).  People drink milk for its taste and nutritional value. A tall glass of mil fulfills 48% of the protein and 9% of calories required for a child of 5–6 years of age with mild physical activity (A. Singh et al.  2024).

Currently, it is the third most popular beverage in the Western world. Most people don’t think about the enormous environmental cost of this drink.    For example, 116 million tons of milk products are wasted globally each year.  This is due to spoiling.  Almost half of the milk produced gets wasted even before it reaches stores (A. Singh et al.  2024).

💦Dairy Milk Causes Environmental Problems 🐄

The five environmental problems with milk production are the following. First, the acidifying and algae blooms that result from fertilizers mixing with surface water (La Barva et al. 2014). Secondly, the N20 and Methane (greenhouse gases) that are produced from manure (La Barva et al. 2014).  Thirdly, the Carbon dioxide produced from feed production and transportation. Fourthly, there is the utilization of resources such as land and nonrenewable energy utilized during the production of milk (La Barva et al. 2014). Lastly, in order to feed the cow, herbicides and pesticides are utilized.  For more information on herbicides, read The Weeds in the Willows 2024 .

Surprisingly, organic milk is not better for the environment. It involves the use of fewer pesticides and herbicides. However, it takes up more land and causes more methane to be produced (I. Boer 2003).  In order to reduce its environmental impact going organic is not part of the solution in this instance.  However, there are still a few actions the average consumer can take.

🥜 Possible Solutions 🛣️

First, only drink milk from local farms.  This cuts down on the energy used in storing and transporting this drink.  Thus milk is less likely to spoil during transport.  Second drink a little less milk.  Lastly, try to use plant-based milk whenever possible. The plant-based alternative does have an environmental toll, but it is far less than dairy cows (A. Singh et al.  2024).   Plant-based milks produce less greenhouse gas and use less water (A. Singh et al.  2024) .  Some plant-based milks use more water than others to grow. However, they all use less than dairy.  Additionally, they use less land.  This land could potentially be used for reforestation and, hence carbon capture.

One deterrent to drinking plant-based milk is the cost.  Many countries subsidize the dairy cow industry, making it cost less than it would otherwise (C. Morris 2019).  This puts the plant-based milks at a competitive disadvantage (C. Morris 2019).  It is counterintuitive since it takes far less energy to create plant-based than traditional milk, but that is the reality of policy decisions in many countries, including the USA.  Although recent changes to this law have temporarily stopped this practice.

👩🏻‍⚕️Overcoming Dairy Milk Challenges 🥛

Additionally, some people might be nervous about using plant-based milks due to the fear that they don’t have the nutrients of traditional milk.  As long as it is fortified, then such plant-based milks (ie almond, or chashew) have the equivalent vitamins and minerals  (Berardy, A., Rubin-Garcia, M. and Sabate, J. 2022 ).  In order to cut back on the cost and ensure its fortification, some people might consider making their own plant-based milk.  But check with a doctor or nutritionist before adding vitamin supplements to determine the amount needed for proper fortification.

Dairy farmers are attempting to make dairy a little more environmentally friendly by giving the cows more effective diets.  They are also using shade and other cost-effective measures to make the cows more productive.  However, the easiest way to help the environment is to decrease the demand for this type of milk.  It will free the land for reforestation.  Plus, fewer harmful and fewer compounds will be added to the atmosphere. In this way, drinking milk will do the planet good.