The dairy industry is on the decline. Milk sales dropped more than $1 billion last year, and consumption is at an all-time low. Even America’s largest milk producer Dean Foods has filed for bankruptcy.
Why are people ditching dairy? RethinkX, an independent think tank chalks it up to increased technological innovation. There are also health factors as dairy consumption has been linked to certain forms of cancer. Animal welfare is also a concern, as mother cows are torn from their calves at birth in order to produce milk for humans.
There is also the environmental piece. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has given humans 12 years to prevent catastrophic, irreversible damage to our climate. According to the World Wildlife Fund, dairy is a large contributor as there is a large ecological price to pay for raising livestock, and cow manure produces greenhouse gas emissions. With more options for vegan milk than ever – milk made from flax, hemp, coconut, almond, hazelnuts, cashews, and more – the dairy alternatives industry is on the rise. Do you have a favorite plant-based milk?
