Your Milk. Your Choice.

This week, the coffee giant Starbucks announced they will be encouraging customers to choose more plant-based milk options, rather than dairy milk, to help reduce their carbon footprint.

If Starbucks has you second-guessing your milk choices, please find some peace in these facts:

• In 2008, U.S. dairy was the first agricultural sector to assess their environmental impact and at that time they determined only 2% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are a result of the dairy industry.
• Since 2008, that number has decreased and we are using 31% less water, 21% less land and have a 20% smaller carbon footprint per gallon of milk produced in the U.S. due to new technologies and innovations in farm practices.
• “The U.S. dairy industry is committed to doing its part and will soon be sharing a framework for achieving meaningful progress in carbon neutrality, soil and water health.”-Krysta Harden, the executive vice president of global environmental strategy for Dairy Management, Inc.

Facts from https://www.agriculture.com

The dairy industry is doing its part to reduce their carbon footprint. Not only that, but they are providing a nutrient-dense product that is part of a healthy diet. There is no other food beverage that provides the same benefits as milk.

Dairy milk is a great source of high-quality protein and fats. Naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in milk are also some of the most easily absorbed. Dairy milk has been shown to increase bone mineral density and has been linked to reducing blood pressure.

Starbucks, I believe we have a common goal in mind. Sustainability of our environment. I won’t be supporting the Starbucks mission to promote plant-based milk because I don’t believe they can even compare to the nutritional benefits of dairy milk, and I’m very confident in the moves the dairy industry is making to reduce their environmental impact.

Think about the facts before you make your choice in milk products. It’s YOUR choice because it’s YOUR milk.