Cut the Carbon: Drop the Dairy, Pick Plant-based Milk

It’s National Milk Day. So, we are putting plant-based and dairy milk head to head on a topic hidden a bit below nutrition and flavor: carbon footprint.

Carbon footprint refers to the greenhouse gas emissions an individual, organization, event, or product is responsible for putting into the atmosphere, directly or indirectly.¹ Many believe these gasses – lead by carbon dioxide and methane – severely impact our planet’s climate.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a milk, thanks to the University of Michigan Center for Sustainable Systems.¹

• Cows, owing to their digestive systems, emit a substantial amount of methane into the atmosphere.
• Livestock, including cows, and manure accounted for 3.3 percent of total US greenhouse gas emissions in 2012 – 40 percent of agriculture’s carbon footprint.
• In 2016, ruminant animals – including cows, sheep, and livestock –produced 170 million metric tons CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent).
• In an average non-vegetarian diet, animal products account for 80 percent of total carbon footprint from greenhouse gas emissions. Dairy products represent 20 percent.
• Foods used to produce plant milk have a significantly lower carbon footprint than dairy milk. Measured in pounds CO₂e per serving:
  • Dairy milk – 0.72
  • Rice – 0.16
  • Legumes (peanuts) – 0.11
    

That’s a lot of information, but its message is pretty clear.

If you’re interested in reducing your carbon footprint this National Milk Day, dairy alternatives are the way to go. A simple swap of dairy for plant-based milk can make a big difference!

Our full line of Elmhurst^® products has plenty of nuts and grains to choose from.

Simpler milk, better world.

¹ Center for Sustainable Systems, University of Michigan. “Carbon Footprint Factsheet.” Pub. No. CSS09-05.