Natural Resources Conservation Service. 96, pt. "2019 California Almond Acreage Report." Almonds and almond milk have a lower carbon footprint than cow's milk, but almond milk has a higher water footprint. Bratskeir also noted that plant-based milks can take a hefty amount of processing power, so "plant-based doesn't necessarily equate with eco-conscious. It's got a good creaminess to it and the perfect consistency. Plant-based milks also generally have good nutritional value, making them a healthy alternative to dairy milk. Oat Milk vs. Almond Milk: Which Is More Environmentally Friendly? One major environmental issue plaguing the oat industry is its reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Every litre of cow's milk uses 8.9 square metres per year, compared to 0.8 for oat, 0.7 for soy, 0.5 for almond and 0.3 for rice milk. Almond Board of California. Whereas the most popular alt milk, almond, is worth $6.5 billion globally, cow's milk is worth $827 billionabout 130 times as much. "2015 Agricultural Chemical Use Survey: Oats." Objective: To compare the nutritional composition of bovine milk and several plant-based drinks with a focus on protein and essential amino acid content and to determine the ratio of essential amino acids to greenhouse gas emission. This wide distribution means oats don't have to travel far to get to someone's bowl (or in this case, cup). University of Delaware, 2019. "Grain: World Markets and Trade." Almond milk requires more water to produce than soy or oat milk. Oat milk. They also compared vegan to omnivorous diets in general. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Credit: Kaffee Meister/Unsplash, CC BY Rice Rice milk has a big water footprint. Read about our approach to external linking. "Life Cyclebased Assessment of Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Almond Production, Part II: Uncertainty Analysis through Sensitivity Analysis and Scenario Testing." Not all oats need these synthetic treatments to growas is proven by the Certified Organic labelbut chemicals are still ubiquitous in grain growing, and they pose serious risks to affected ecosystems. "Exposure to Sublethal Concentrations of Methoxyfenozide Disrupts Honey Bee Colony Activity and Thermoregulation." The figures for greenhouse gas emissions are in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq). Scientific Reports, vol. The Best Milk Alternatives For Your Health (And The Environment) - HuffPost Rice milk Rice milk has a large water footprint and is associated with higher greenhouse gas emissions compared to the other plant-based milks. A single glass requires 74 litres (130 pints of water) - more than a typical shower. Plant-based milk is better for the planet. Read more about it here. California Department of Pesticide Regulation,2017. The industry is worth $1.5 billion and grew by about 13% in 2021. According to an investigation by nonprofit environmentalism magazine Grist, the traditional dairy industry has a significant impact on the Earth. "California Almond Industry Facts." Quinton, Amy. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. From oat field to. That said, almond milk shines in greenhouse emissions created. Besides the major issue of water consumption, the second biggestenvironmental criticism of the almond industryis perhaps its reliance on harsh chemicals. 401-415., doi:10.1007/s10021-011-9517-8. California Department of Pesticide Regulation, 2019. One glass is equal to 0.4 pounds of carbon dioxide, not including emissions from distribution. Oat production is mostly used to feed livestock. Morrisons Oat Milk. Searches for milk alternatives spike in January in the UK - especially soy milk and almond milk. 1, 2019, pp. Searches for veganism have doubled in the past year. Elizabeth MacLennan is a fact checker and expert on climate change. Watson, Elaine. These authors conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) also referred to as cradde-to-grave analysis and estimated a milk carbon foot print of 2.05 (90% confidence interval: 1.8-2.4) kg CO2eq per kg milk consumed. CSIRO Industry PhD Scholarship: Improving grain properties for oat milk 3, 2019.. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0204635. A comparison of the carbon footprint of coffee types and use of oat milk instead of dairy milk. The dairy industry is responsible for 4% of all total greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans, according to Georgina Gustin of Inside Climate News. 2. Grand View Research, 2022. Wyatt, Sydney. "Summary of Pesticide Use Report Data - 2017." By 2020, though, it had become the second most popular type of milk alternative. However, sustainability-wise it's often criticized for its colossal water footprint and the fact that almonds grow only in one very small part of the world, California. For example, according to climate footprint data, the company claims its Oatly Barista Edition sold in the UK generates about 70% less CO2e than British cow's milk. To make oat milk simply add 1 cup rolled oats 4 cups water to a high-speed blender and blend on high for 30-45 seconds. According to the Plant Based Foods Association, 39 percent of U.S. households purchased plant-based milks in 2020, and those purchases accounted for 15 percent of retail milk sales. . Statista, 2021. Cows produce an average of 23,400 pounds of milk per year. You'll see more carbon labels in the grocery store next year. Here's The research found meat and other animal products were responsible for most food-related greenhouse gas emissions, despite providing only a fifth of the calories consumed. Almond Board of California, 2016. Livestock and Poultry: World Markets and Trade, Cows and Climate Change: Making Cattle More Sustainable, Global Methane Assessment: Benefits and Costs of Mitigating Methane Emissions, Review: Overview of Factors Affecting Productive Lifespan of Dairy Cows, In The Cattle Markets: Beef Contribution in 2018 from Dairy Cattle, Udderly Complex: Sustainability of Cow and Plant-Based Milks. Statista, 2019. Climate change: Which vegan milk is best? - BBC News If you cannot view the food calculator, click to launch the interactive content. Sadly, almond milk is quite bad for the environment. How Oat Milk Can Help Save the Environment, Irrigation Water Management: Irrigation Water Needs. Areported 1.6 million commercial coloniesare brought to the Central Valley for a pollination frenzy every bloom season. Is Honey Vegan? Nutritional content, protein quantity, protein quality and carbon Many oat milks come in plastic-coated Tetra Pak cartons, which are in most cases only accepted by specialized Tetra Pak affiliates. People tend to underestimate the greenhouse gas emissions from food, and dairy milk is no exception, according to research by Dr Adrian Camilleri, a psychologist at the University of Technology Sydney. The cost of milk remains low in the U.S. thanks to government subsidies. So what makes Glebe Farm's PureOaty the UK's 'glass-leader' in this context? Grist also noted, however, that "alternative milks require lots of processing, and their primary ingredients may travel great distances to reach your refrigerator whereas theoretically, you could buy a minimally processed gallon from a cow raised humanely right down the road." The nutty beverage has dominated the market since 2013, when it surpassed soy milk in sales. Unlike cow's milk, oat milk (and all plant-based milks) creates a byproduct that gets wasted in the manufacturing process. Nelson, Rebecca and Leon Szeptyckl. And friend, there's good news for you. For rice drink only, a UHT product was available. Almond Board of California, 2016. 19, no. Nut Milk Maker Machine 40oz Make Delicious and Healthy Plant Milks In Minutes With Press Of. Still, it's important to understand how agricultural processes affect the planet. They assessed the effect of these foods on climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions and the amount of land and fresh water used across all stages of their production, including processing, packaging, and transportation, but excluding the cooking process. U.S. Department of Agriculture NASS Highlights, no. This. "World Agricultural Production." When it comes to packaging, know which materials are accepted by your curbside recycling service. Goto, Taylor. Oatly makes use of its production waste, but there may be plant-based milk producers that don't. Dairy milk is the worst for the environment. Shop local whenever possible or, better yet, go the package-free route andmake your own plant-based milkat home. Thomas, Craig. The experts are right, of course: Oat milk is the eco-friendlier option when pitted against its traditional cow-derived counterpart. "[I]n fact, one gallon of the white stuff is the equivalent of 17.6 pounds of carbon dioxide. Russia is the world's leading oat producer, followed by Canada, Australia, the U.K., Brazil, the U.S., Argentina and China. Oat milk companies have recently entered the UK market, giving the drink a boost in search interest. Moreover, almond trees are susceptible to disease and pest invasions (especially from the dreaded peach twig borer), and one of the best ways to protect them is with toxicants. By James Rebanks. A life cycle analysis of oat milk conducted by popular Swedish brand Oatly says land use and greenhouse gas emissions for oat milk are about 80% lower than for cow's milk. While it doesnt contribute to the consumption of animal products, almond milk should not be the go-to alternative for its environmental benefits. 3. Oat milk is killing the planet - UnHerd - Impact investing A study of average water footprints from 1996 to 2005 found that oats use eight times more green water (rainwater) than blue water (surface or groundwater). This is a wild amount of resources. When the seal is broken and the container has been opened for the first time then oat milk is considered a perishable food that can quickly turn . "2015 Agricultural Chemical Use Survey: Oats." Soy milk is my second favorite alternative. Oat milk is killing the planet - UnHerd Cows vs. Nuts: Who Gets to Be Called Milk, and Are They Climate . Because their entire growing season lasts only about four months, they also allow for other crops to take over their turf for the remainder of the year. Oat milk is killing the planet - USSA News | The Tea Party's Front Page. "The Sources and Solutions: Agriculture." "I suspect that most consumers underestimate the greenhouse gas emissions saved by switching from dairy milk to plant-based milk such as soy milk.". In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, 200 milliliters of soy milk creates 0.195 kilograms of carbon dioxide. Is Climate Change Consuming Your Favorite Foods? The price point is $4 per half gallon, and its readily available at coffee shops or grocery chains. "The greenhouse gas emissions from milk are about 30 times higher than what people estimate," he told BBC News. Producing a glass of dairy milk every day for a year requires 650 sq m (7,000 sq ft) of land, the equivalent of two tennis courts and more. In terms of water, a liter of oat milk requires 48 liters of water to produce. "(For context, according to Terrapass, a company that sells carbon offsets, the average American citizen produces about 3,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per month.). "The Almond Conference." Data compiled by Water Footprint Network shows that bovine products require more water per kilogram than sugar crops, vegetables, and fruits combined. Cattle farming has been called the leading cause of deforestation in the Amazon. United Nations Environment Programme and Climate and Clean Air Coalition, 2021. how meat and dairy contributes to carbon emissions - accounting for 14.5 per cent of all man-made emissions, according to the UN - but some . 10 Affordable Best Oat Milk Maker On The Market Today The European Environment Agency estimates that driving a regular petrol car produces 392g of CO2eq/mile over its entire lifecycle, including emissions from the vehicle's production, fuel production and exhaust emissions per mile. The pulp left over after soaking, blending, and straining the oats is sometimes sent to landfills where it produces methane, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Although almonds are considered vegan because they contain no animal byproducts, they do rely heavily on bee labor and are therefore avoided by some people. Almond farming generates slightly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than oat farminga kilogram of raw nuts generating a reported 1.6 kilograms carbon dioxide equivalent. "Fight Climate Change by Preventing Food Waste." It requires 1,000 fewer gallons of water to make per gallon, emits three times less greenhouse gases, and doesn't fuel deforestation or require millions of animals to be slaughtered in the process. Oat's price point is significantly higher than other alternatives and it's also less readily available . People are getting rich off the faux white stuff. Oats grow all over the world, from North America to Europe to Australia. Calculations based on food quality, rather than quantity, make for very different answers. Data compiled by Columbia University's Climate School shows that oat milk has the lowest overall carbon footprint when compared to cow's milk, almond milk, and soy milk. It can also cost twice as much as dairy milk, which many can't afford. For price point, though, soy wins. "Water Footprint of Crop and Animal Products: A Comparison." Environmental Defense Fund. To measure the environmental impact of a type of milk, one must consider a multitude of factors: where the crop grows, how much space it requires, how much water it uses, its dependence on chemical substances, plus the emissions generated by farming it, its production, transporting it, and so forth. "Small Grains 2020 Summary." There are many factors such as water usage and greenhouse gas emissions associated with each. In 2015, a reported 64% of oat crops in the 13 top oat-producing U.S. states were treated with pesticides (herbicides, fungicides, and/or insecticides). We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. In typical EU diets, it accounts for just over one-quarter of the carbon footprint, sometimes as much as one-third. A 2011 study in science journal Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions found it takes a total of 242 litres of water to produce a cup of cow's milk, 132 litres for a cup of soy milk . The annual impact from eating a specific food is calculated by multiplying the impact of one serving of that food by the times it is eaten in a year, based on the weekly estimates submitted by the user. Oat Milk vs. Soy Milk: Which Is More Environmentally Friendly? The New York Times reported that according to the Water Footprint Network, almonds require. Olivia Young is a writer, fact checker, and green living expert passionate about tiny living, climate advocacy, and all things nature. No other country in the world has had higher search interest in oat milk than the UK in the past 12 months. Handbook of Research on the Adverse Effects of Pesticide Pollution in Aquatic Ecosystems, 2019, pp. To be clear, the global oat trade is still thriving, but it hardly compares to that of soy (primarily grown in South America) and almonds (almost entirely hailing from California), which are its two plant-based milk competitors. Is Oat Milk Environmentally Friendly? The Dairy Alternative Is Not Just U.S. Department of Agriculture. In California, where80% of the world's almondsare grown, the ground has gradually sunk almost 30 feet over the past century due to depletion of underground aquifers. Buy on Amazon. Thankfully, this adaptable crop grows in abundance all over the country. And because they only grow in hot, low-humidity environments, much of that water is "blue." U.S. Plant-Based Food Retail Sales Hit $7.4 Billion, Outpacing Total Retail Sales, Despite Supply Chain Interruptions and Pandemic Restrictions Creating Widespread Volatility in the Food Industry, Oat Milk Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Source (Organic, Conventional), by Product (Plain, Flavored), by Packaging (Cartons, Bottle), by Distribution Channel, by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2028. Vast swaths of this vital rainforest have been cleared to make room not just for cattle farmingalthough the Brazilian Amazon is home to 40% of the country's cattle, including the world's second largest herdbut also the cattle's primary food source, soy. Video, Looking for clues in video of forgotten massacre. In my heart, oat milk is the superior alt milk. Kilograms of greenhouse gases per serving. Growing in the cool season helps oat crops retain moisture and means they can get most of their water from rain, not groundwater reservoirs. "But it's still less carbon intensive than cow's milk is.". More notably, it's associated with higher greenhouse gas. Which milk alternative should we be drinking? - BBC Future I feel it is the most creamy when frothed and has the bonus of the lowest overall carbon footprint. Oat milk is a personal favorite of mine. A scientific study suggests the greenhouse gas emissions used in the production of plant-based milks are lower than for dairy milk. But ultimately, switching away from cows milk to any non-dairy option is a good personal switch for the planet and your stomach. "Nitrogen: Best Management Practices." This outrageous price is all but worth the upcharge of 50 cents to switch to oat milk. Here's the biggest qualm environmentalists have with cow's milk: its emissions. While soy uses a third of the water needed for dairy, alternatives such as oat are more water efficient. 14, no. Chapter 2: Crop Water Needs." How Oat Milk Can Help Save the Environment So, here's how oat milk and almond milk weigh against each other and which is ultimately more sustainable. Almond milk remains the reigning champion of dairy-milk alternatives, accounting for a63% share. And bloom season, as it happens, is theprime time to spray. Chris Jackson/Getty Images News/Getty Images, produces about 3,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, alternative milks require lots of processing, packaging can still leave a footprint on the environment. The deciduous almond tree needs constant replenishment of nitrogen to thrive, and it receives it through fertilizers that leach into soil and pollute groundwater. Stanford University. Mekonnen, Mesfin Mergia, and Arjen Hoekstra. Defenders of Wildlife. Oatly ads banned over 'misleading' environmental claims - BBC News Oat cultivation and harvest To calculate PureOaty's carbon footprint, Glebe Farm applied the GHG Protocol covering three scopes. Oat Milk vs. Soy Milk: Which Is More Environmentally Friendly? Perhaps it's the methane plumes that cows emit from their mouths and backsides. And oat milk does appear to have less of a carbon footprint than some other plant-based milks. She holds a degree in Journalism from Ohio University. Carbon labels tell consumers the environmental impact of oat milk, dish soap and more. "Cows and Climate Change: Making Cattle More Sustainable." That's slightly more than almond milk, but less than soy or cow's milk. On a more local level, sourcing products made close to home may result in a smaller carbon footprint than products that have had to be transported a long way. University of Oxford researcher Joseph Poore, and Thomas Nemecek of the Agroecology and Environment Research Division in Zurich, Switzerland, looked at the environmental impact of 40 major food products that represent the vast majority of what is eaten globally. 1019-1029., doi:10.1111/jiec.12333. Cattle farms in Canada have a much lower blue water footprint than those in perpetually parched California, for instance. Pesticides and insecticides that have been freshly sprayed on the treesthreaten the healthof these crucial pollinators whose populations are alreadyin steep decline. This is called crop rotation, an important principle of regenerative agriculture that keeps soil healthy and pests at bay. Which Oat Milk Is The Best? 13 Milks Rated - Moral Fibres Almond Milk vs. Cow's Milk: Which Is More Environmentally Friendly? And oat milk does appear to have less of a carbon footprint than some other plant-based milks. "Almond Milk Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026." But now there is new informationa label declaring the carbon footprint of Oatly brand oat milk: 0.31 . A chart has also been added showing the environmental impact of cow's milk, broken down by region. The truth about the great oat milk 'con' - The Telegraph Grain Fed: Which Is Better for Cows? Improves and maintains heart health. Though almond orchards take up slightly less space than oat fields, one must consider that oats are generally rotated out every year to make room for other crops whereas almond trees live for 25 years and must be cared for year-round. Sales of so-called alternative milks are growing faster in the UK than sales of traditional milk, according to market researchers Mintel. "Milk Production." Another consideration: While oats can thrive in a range of conditions all over the world, almondsmustgrow in a very specific environment. Credit: Justin . Filho, Francisco Luis Lima, et al. Carbon footprint was calculated for 1 UHT drink per regular plant-based type and for 1 UHT semi-skimmed bovine milk. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It's important to purchase locally grown oats when possible, as imported oats have a substantially higher carbon footprint than those grown domestically. Carbon footprint of dairy goat milk production in New Zealand The good news? Though the U.S. still sources some of its oats from Asia, South America, and Europe, more than half the oats Americans consume every year are grown onNorth American soil. The popularity of vegan foods continues to grow, with January seen as a traditional time to consider giving them a try. PLOS ONE, vol. When it comes to oat milk specifically, it may be surprising to find out that oat milk has been around for a while, despite it just recently becoming a trend in coffee shops in the U.S. U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2021. The most searched questions about veganism answered, Agroecology and Environment Research Division in Zurich, Switzerland, serving sizes from the British Dietetic Association (BDA), lower than portion sizes commonly found in restaurants, figures suggesting the average shower lasts eight minutes, Fisherman tried to break window to save pilots, West urged to step up Ukraine air defence support, 'There really is more to life than posting on Instagram', Cardinal among 11 French bishops accused of abuse, Three leap from migrant rescue boat held in Italy, Dogs gifted by North Korea's Kim may need new home. In some areas, like land use and embodied carbon, oat and almond milk are neck and neck. The original alt milk, soy has been the staple for nondairy users. "Migratory Management and Environmental Conditions Affect Lifespan and Oxidative Stress in Honey Bees." The crop, Avena sativa, is known to sit at the high end of water use efficiencynot just because it requires so little (17 to 26 inches per growing season) but also because it grows in cool weather. "Oat Milk Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Source (Organic, Conventional), by Product (Plain, Flavored), by Packaging (Cartons, Bottle), by Distribution Channel, by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2028." The one true fallback of oat is its price point at around $5 per half gallon. While a small switch in a morning routine, alt milks can be a real factor in lowering our everyday greenhouse gas emissions. VideoIn the name of atheism: The case of Mubarak Bala, 'Helping' make Musk's vision of Twitter a reality, Looking for clues in video of forgotten massacre. Which plant-based milk is better for the planet? This is what the With aquifers are being drained at a dangerous rate, negative effects are impacting nearby river ecosystems. 2021. Growing them is good for the soil and requires few resources compared to growing other grains. Another great benefit of oats is that they can grow in a range of environments and soil types.