Dear Fellow Green Challengers,
Have you ever thought it odd that we are the only species who goes from drinking our mother’s breast milk, and goes to the breast milk of another species? The dairy industry would have us believing that we need to do this for our health, and specifically our bones. But there are compelling arguments that say the opposite, and the toll that dairy production takes on the planet can be added to those factors.
Some things to consider:
- According to a new report published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the livestock sector generates more greenhouse gas emissions than transportation (cars, planes, etc.).
- Cattle grazing is the # 1 cause of forest depletion, and land and water degradation (even local, grass-fed organic rearing) .
- The dairy-products industry is the primary source of smog-forming pollutants in California.
- American women are among the biggest consumers of calcium in the world, yet still have one of the highest levels of osteoporosis in the world.
- Most Chinese people eat and drink no dairy products yet osteoporosis is uncommon in China.
- Children who were diagnosed with ADD actually had milk allergies and symptoms were gone when dairy products were removed from their diet.
- The cruel veal industry was created by the milk industry as an easy way to “process” the cows born to female cows in order to keep their milk production up for human consumption.
- Cow’s milk is designed by nature to turn a 600lb. calf into a 2 ton cow, it is not designed for humans.
And luckily there are many healthy alternatives to milk available such as almond, hemp, soy, rice, and oat milk. Try this recipe for making your own almond milk to save money and packaging:
1 cup raw almonds, soaked at least 4 hours
3 cups filtered water 1. In a high-speed blender blend the nuts and water for about 2 minutes until the nuts are completely blended.
2. Strain the mix through multiple layers of cheesecloth in a colander two times.
(can be sweetened with agave or stevia)
Sustainably Yours,
Go Lightly
