The Most Sustainable Plant-Based Milk: Which is Best for the Environment?

by Singh · August 21, 2024

Today we will discuss The Most Sustainable Plant-Based Milk. When I first switched to a plant-based diet, there were few options for non-dairy milk. Now, things have changed a lot. There are many kinds of plant-based milk to choose from, like almond, soy, oat, and coconut milk. But as we drink these alternatives, we need to ask: Which plant milk is best for the planet? Even though plant-based milks are better for the environment than dairy milk, they still use up resources like land and water, and they release greenhouse gases into the air. Let’s explore the different plant milks and find out which ones have the lowest impact on our planet.

Table of Contents

The Environmental Impact of Plant-Based Milk

To figure out which plant milk is best for the environment, we need to look at how much water, land, and other resources are used to make them. A big study that looked at over 10,000 farms worldwide showed that all plant-based milks are better for the environment than dairy milk. Dairy farms release about three times more greenhouse gases than farms that produce plant-based milk. Dairy farms also need about nine times more land than what is needed to grow plants for milk.

But plant-based milks are not perfect. Growing the plants to make these milks uses up land and water and releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, which cause global warming. Each type of plant milk affects the environment in different ways. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common plant-based milks.

1. Almond Milk

Almond milk is popular, but it uses a lot of water. To grow just one almond in California, it takes about 3.2 gallons (or 12.1 liters) of water. This adds up quickly because a lot of almonds are needed to make almond milk. A study in Australia found that almonds need more water than almost all other crops, like apples, grapes, tomatoes, and potatoes. Some researchers even said we should stop growing almonds because they require too much water. So, while almond milk is a tasty option, it might not be the best for conserving water.

2. Soy Milk

Soy milk is another common plant-based milk, but it has its challenges. Growing soy requires a lot of land. In the Amazon rainforest, much of the forest has been cut down to make room for soy farms, which is bad for the environment. To produce a single liter of soy milk, you need about 1 square mile of land every year. However, not all soy is used for human consumption. Most of it is grown to feed livestock or for biofuel. Only a small portion of the soy that is grown is used to make food for people.

In the United States, about 35% of the world’s soy is grown, and there are efforts to reduce deforestation. For example, the Amazon Soy Moratorium, a pledge by grain traders to not use soy from recently deforested areas, has helped reduce the destruction of rainforests. Some companies also source their soy from organic farms in the United States, which is better for the environment. While soy milk uses a lot of land, soy plants do help the soil by adding nitrogen, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

3. Rice Milk

Rice milk is another option, but it is not the best for the planet. Growing rice creates a lot of greenhouse gases, especially methane, which is a powerful gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. Rice paddies are often flooded, and this process leads to bacteria releasing methane into the air. Rice also uses a lot of water, though it needs less land compared to soy, oats, and almonds. Another issue with rice farming is that it can lead to high levels of arsenic in the water, which can be harmful.

4. Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is made from the hemp plant, which is very efficient and eco-friendly. Hemp can be used for many different things, like making milk, oils, construction materials, and even textiles. The hemp plant is strong and does not need many chemicals to grow, which is good for the environment. Hemp’s roots go deep into the soil, which helps improve the soil’s quality. Because of its versatility and low environmental impact, hemp milk is a great choice for people who want an eco-friendly option.

5. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is another good option, though we still need more information about its impact on the environment. Studies show that coconut milk creates about half the greenhouse gas emissions compared to soy milk. Coconuts don’t need much water to grow, and like other trees, they absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen, helping reduce greenhouse gases.

However, coconuts are grown in tropical areas, and there are concerns that the rising demand for coconuts might harm local species and reduce biodiversity. On the other hand, some studies suggest that growing coconuts might actually increase biodiversity, so it’s not all bad news.

6. Pea Milk

Pea milk is made from peas, which grow in areas with lots of rainfall. This means they don’t need as much water from existing resources, making them an eco-friendly choice. Farmers also rotate pea crops with other plants, which helps improve soil health and reduces the need for irrigation and chemical fertilizers. Peas are not usually genetically modified like soybeans, and their cultivation produces less greenhouse gas compared to other plant-based milks like almond milk. Pea milk is a strong contender for one of the most sustainable plant milks.

7. Oat Milk

Oat milk has become very popular, but it’s not without its environmental issues. Farmers often grow oats in monoculture, which means they grow the same crop over and over in the same area. This practice can reduce biodiversity, leading to more pests and the need for more pesticides. It can also deplete nutrients in the soil, making it harder to grow crops in the future.

Some studies funded by oat milk companies show that oat milk uses 80% less greenhouse gas emissions and 60% less energy than dairy milk. However, other studies suggest that oats require more land than soy, almond, or rice milk. In terms of water use, oats use less water than almonds and rice but slightly more than soy.

Tips for Choosing the Best Plant-Based Milk for the Planet

When choosing a plant-based milk, consider which environmental issues matter most to you. If saving water is important, you might want to avoid almond and rice milk. If you’re concerned about land use, soy and oat milk might not be the best options. Hemp, pea, and coconut milks are generally considered to have lower environmental impacts.

It can also help to try different types of plant milks to see which ones you like best. Supporting local businesses that focus on sustainability can also make a positive impact. In addition, choosing plant milks in recyclable packaging or organic products can reduce harm to the environment.

Another option is to make your own plant milk at home using raw nuts, seeds, grains, or legumes. This way, you can control the ingredients and reduce packaging waste. Some companies are even creating plant-based milk concentrates, which require less packaging and are better for the environment.

Conclusion

Plant-based milks are a great alternative to dairy milk because they have a much smaller environmental footprint. However, they are not without their issues. Different plant milks impact the environment in different ways. Almond milk uses a lot of water, oat milk requires more land, and rice milk produces a lot of greenhouse gases. For a more eco-friendly option, you might want to consider coconut, hemp, or pea milk. By making small changes, like choosing recyclable packaging or making your own plant milk at home, you can help reduce your environmental impact.

FAQ

Q1. How can I reduce the environmental impact of plant-based milk?
Ans: You can reduce your impact by choosing recyclable packaging, supporting sustainable brands, and even making your own plant milk at home.

Q2. Which plant-based milk uses the most water?
Ans: Almond milk uses the most water, with each almond requiring around 3.2 gallons of water to grow.

Q3. Does oat milk have a large environmental impact?
Ans: Oat milk can require a lot of land, and growing oats in monocultures can harm biodiversity. However, it uses less water than almond and rice milk.

Q4. Can I make my own plant milk at home?
Ans: Yes! You can make your own plant milk at home using ingredients like nuts, grains, and legumes. This can help reduce packaging waste and give you control over the ingredients.

Q5. What is the most sustainable plant milk?
Ans: Hemp, pea, and coconut milks are among the most sustainable plant-based milks due to their low water use and environmental impact.