Wednesday, April 8, 2020 | 2 a.m.
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The March 22 story “America’s milk consumption continues to sour” included some interesting comments, such as the fact that “Milk is the only thing, aside from water, that senators are allowed to drink on the floor.” That might be due to the desire to appease dairy industry lobbyists and support an agricultural industry that is experiencing great upheaval. But is that so wise?
The story quotes a Harvard food and climate policy fellow who indicated that dairy is the second-highest source of livestock-related global emissions, next to beef which is No. 1. And the case is made for farming almonds for milk alternatives, which would be less harmful to the environment.
In today’s changing climate, it’s important to consider the impact of our choices upon the planet, as well as upon other beings. The article mentions Joaquin Phoenix’s recent Oscars speech dedicated to the “supposed” cruelty inherent to the dairy industry. It doesn’t take much effort to conduct research that will confirm that cruelty is indeed a part of the industry.
Whether we choose dairy alternatives for the Earth’s sustainability, our health or to relieve the suffering of billions of animals, they’re still a far better than dairy derived from livestock. Apparently, consumers agree.
