By Eva Hu
In the late 2010s, the demand for plant-based milk increased significantly, and only continues to grow. A report from the 2018 Nielsen Data indicated that there was a 6% drop in sales of cows’ milk and a 9% increase in sales of plant-based milk. This decrease in the consumption of cows’ milk can be attributed to the both trend of consuming a vegan diet as a means of elevating one’s lifestyle and the growing concern for the non-eco friendly aspect of animal products.
The process of raising and sustaining animals, especially cows, is extremely taxing for the planet. First and foremost, farmers must grow enough grains to feed them, and the water and pesticides needed to grow these grains increases the carbon footprint of cow milk. Additionally, cows also need to drink water, and on average, they consume anywhere from 3 to 30 gallons of water each day (depending on their weight and other seasonal factors). The amount of carbon emissions only continues to increase when we account for the significant amounts of land and electricity needed to sustain cows, and so overall, one can confidently state that consuming animal products is not the most convenient way to get nutrients and calories.
Plant-based milk comes in a lot of varieties, ranging from milks made from nuts to legumes. Each type of milk has its own environmental benefits, as well as drawbacks.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is a popular choice when it comes to plant-based milk. It is not only delicious, but also low-calorie, beneficial for those who wish to sustain a caloric deficit. However, this also means the milk pales in comparison with cow milk when it comes to nutrient content. Furthermore, while every company produces almond milk slightly differently, it is a general consensus that it has a fairly high environmental impact because almond trees require a lot of water to grow: a single almond requires a little over a gallon. Even worse, most almonds in America are produced in California, a state that has been suffering from severe droughts in recent years.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is another popular choice amongst consumers, but just like almond milk, its nutrition profile is lacking, containing little protein and vitamins. However, most companies that produce coconut milk fortify it to make it healthier. Compared to almond milk, coconut milk is much more environmentally friendly because only little amounts of water is needed to sustain coconut trees. However, there are also several concerns regarding coconut milk production. The transportation and processing of coconuts (coconut trees are grown in tropical areas) is somewhat environmentally taxing . Furthermore, due to its farming location, the production of coconuts can also endanger wildlife.
Soy Milk
While compared to other plant-based milks, soy milk’s nutritional value is the closest to that of cows’ milk in terms of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients. However, just like almond milk, soy milk has an enormous impact on the environment. Soybeans generally require vast areas of land and pesticides to produce, and currently, there are several areas in the Amazon rainforest that are being clear out for the sole purpose of producing soy.
Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is also well-liked by the public for its nutritional value. It is rich in protein and healthy fats, which are beneficial for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and regulating one’s cardiovascular system. The downside of this plant-based milk is that it also requires a significant amount of water to cultivate, albeit less than almond and cows’ milk, but more than soy. However, pretty much every part of the hemp plant is usable, making it less wasteful compared to the other plant-based milks mentioned.
Oat Milk
Around the world, oat milk has gained a significant amount of popularity due to its eco-friendly production. It contributes approximately six times less carbon dioxide to the environment than the other types of plant-based milks and takes less water to grow as well, making it a sustainable alternative. However, since oats are mostly produced in Canada and the US, oats are typically grown in large amounts in one region, depleting the soil’s fertility and reducing the diversity of insects.
Overall, there are both advantages and drawbacks of all types of plant-based milk, and so it is hard to determine which plant-based milk is the most environmentally friendly. However, it is certain that any type of plant-based milk is more environmentally friendly than cow milk, so the next time you go to the supermarket, try buying one or two types of plant-based milk and find one that suits your taste!
Sources: