How ecological are milk alternatives?

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More and more people are turning to plant-based milk alternatives for health and sustainability reasons. But which of the many options is actually more sustainable than traditional cow’s milk?

Potatoes are one of the highest yielding crops and can be grown in many parts of the world. In the production of potato milk, potatoes are peeled, boiled and mixed with water. Potato milk production is very energy efficient and requires very little water. It is also an attractive alternative for people with allergies or intolerances, as it is soy and nut-free.

Oat is also a product that can be grown in many parts of the world. To produce oat milk, oat grains are ground and mixed with water. Another benefit of oat milk compared to cow’s milk is that it emits less greenhouse gases and uses less water. Also, oat milk is generally less expensive than almond or soy milk, making it an economical option.

Almond milk is made from ground almonds and water. Despite being one of the most popular milk alternatives, it has a much greater environmental impact than potato or oat milk. Almonds require a lot of water and soil. Also, the German Albert Schweitzer Foundation writes that 80 percent of almonds processed worldwide come from California. The huge monocultures there left no room for the original flora and fauna, and almond trees needed a lot of water in the heat.

Cow’s milk is the most popular “type of milk” and is produced in large quantities around the world. However, WWF Switzerland writes that cows in Switzerland are responsible for 34 percent of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. A cow releases 300 to 500 liters of methane a day while ruminating. There are also concerns about livestock and cow welfare.

Potato and oat milk is the most sustainable of the four milk options compared. They are more energy efficient to produce than other types of milk and require less water and land. Almond milk has the advantage of being creamier than the other two milk alternatives. But it is more expensive and less environmentally friendly.

It should not be forgotten that the cultivation of raw materials, transportation route and packaging also play a role in terms of sustainability.

Which milk alternative to choose ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. If you want to take an eco-friendly and sustainable approach, the best thing you can do is choose locally sourced potato or oat milk.

Source : Blick