milk

Dairy and Dairy-free Milks and Their Impacts on Our Planet (part 2)

In part one of this blog series, we talk about the most popular dairy and dairy-free milk alternatives out there. In this part, we’ll delve deeper into the world of dairy-free milk and see their impact on mother Earth because as great as plant-based milk might sound, they are also not that environmentally friendly. So buckle up, and let’s learn more about the other types of milk alternative on the market and their impact on our planet. Remember, even though cow milk might be really bad for our world, it is delicious, and thousands of people can make a living because of them. So, you can’t judge the dairy industry that harshly, but you can take steps to consume less milk and opt for some of these alternatives. Try something new, and who knows, this might make you discover something that you love!

Goat milk

milk

Okay, this might sound weird to you, but a lot of cheeses out there are made of goat milk, and it is considered a delicacy in parts of the world. Unfortunately, even though it tastes good and goat cheese is to die for, goats and cows have the same impact on the environment and have a destructive habitat. They take as much water as cows to feed and produce as much if not more carbon emissions as their brethren. The latter is because it takes more time and money to transport goat and their milk which ups their carbon emission. However, because of their size, they take less space than their counterparts, which is a good thing. However, when compared to cow’s milk, goat’s milk does have some advantages; they produce less manure which creates a low threat to nearby water sources. The goat industry is much smaller than the milk industry.

Hemp Milk

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This one has a niche market and is a well-liked dairy alternative by some. A lot of foragers and vegans out there have a soft spot for hemp milk because it is arguable the best and most eco-friendly milk on the market. It may not be as widely used as other plant-based milk, but we shouldn’t overlook this gem. According to some scientists, hemp can and can hinder climate change because they absorb an exceptional amount of carbon and their by-products are also 100% biodegradable. Hemp trees can sequester 4 times more carbon than your average tree; on top of that, they don’t require a tremendous amount of water to grow and even enrich the soil they are on. Hemp can be bio if you want them to because they don’t require any pesticide to grow, and they can be grown in a very small area. This eliminates the need for monoculture to create plant-based milk as it can be grown alongside other plants and vegetables.

Hazelnut milk

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Hazelnuts aren’t only used to make our favorite chocolate spread but can also be used to create a pretty delicious dairy-free milk if you ask me. Hazelnut milk is slowly gaining traction in the plant-based milk industry and is arguably the best nut to create milk because it doesn’t require as much water as almonds. They not only require minimum water to grow but are also drought-resistant and, just like hemp, sequester a massive amount of carbon. You also don’t need commercial honeybees to pollinate them as they are wind-pollinated. The lower greenhouse carbon emission rather than contributes to it is said to be one of the plants that absorbs the most carbon. They also reduce soil erosion and may even prevent surface runoff that could pollute nearby water sources.

Remember, even though you might think you aren’t making an impact on Earth, it is one same step for humankind, but it is a giant step for the preservation of mother nature. Sound off in the comments section below and tell us your favorite milk alternative. 

 

10 Sustainable Fabrics Made of Plants and Food

We are more and more aware of the polluting nature of current fashion and the need to establish slow and sustainable fashion as the only option for consuming this industry. Often, the label “sustainable” or “recycled” is accompanied by companies’ eco-washing to sell a product that is not green as organic. To know how to distinguish what is “green-washing” from what is truly sustainable, it is essential to keep in mind that sustainability is not only environmental but also social.

As for the more technical part, there are two types of standards that certify that the fabrics are durable. Firstly, the Commission Decision of 5 June 2014 establishes the ecological criteria for the EU Ecolabel award to textile products. Secondly, the rules that certify that garments made with these materials follow sustainable criteria in their manufacturing process. In other words, they regulate aspects such as product traceability, dyes, packaging or transport.

There are many durable and recyclable fabrics of plant and animal origin, which can be natural or artificial. In this article, we have selected ten that come from plants and foods.

1. Hemp

Hemp needs little water for its growth and is relatively resistant to pests, so there is no need to use pesticides or herbicides. It is a resistant fibre that protects against ultraviolet rays. It is also breathable, antibacterial and thermoregulating.

2. Coconut Shell

The coconut shell’s fiber is resistant, dries quickly, repels terrible odors, and protects against ultraviolet rays.

3. Bamboo

Bamboo is a plant that proliferates and does not require large amounts of water or pesticides. The fabric is made from this plant’s pulp; it is biodegradable, antibacterial, and has anti-allergic properties. Also, it protects against ultraviolet rays and is a thermal regulator.

 

4. Bananatex

This fabric is obtained from the stalk of bananas or banana trees and has characteristics similar to bamboo, as it is biodegradable, renewable, anti-allergic, and breathable.

5. Orange Silk

The orange peel becomes a natural fiber once the cellulose is removed. The yarn is very similar to silk and can be mixed with other materials to create twill or poplin.

6. Fish Leather

Its tanning is similar to that performed on mammalian skin, although its healing process is more durable. Its skin is remarkably resistant and of an original aspect, being used for perch, salmon, sea bass.

7. Piñatex

Piñatex is a vegetable leather that is extracted from pineapple leaves that are discarded at harvest time. This material does not require a specific crop field as it is obtained from pineapple waste and helps the communities that cultivate it.

8. Muskin

Nutmeg or mushroom leather is presented as an alternative to animal leather. It was created by an Italian company called Grado Zero Space, and it quickly releases moisture, which is why it is recommended in the manufacture of shoes, straps, or gloves.

9. Matuba Bark

This textile fiber is obtained from the bark of the Matuba tree, native to Uganda. The bark is extracted, boiled, and stretched into cloth. Besides, the tree itself regenerates the bark year after year.

10. Tencel

Tencel is made from the pulp of eucalyptus wood. Its extraction requires little water, and it is biodegradable. In addition, it is breathable, antibacterial, and thermal regulator.

It is sometimes difficult to find clothing governed by these sustainable principles, both environmentally and socially. However, if you look properly, you can find various women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing made with ecologically friendly fabrics that meet sustainable social requirements. It is manufactured in locations that reduce the carbon footprint.

Do you own any piece of cloth made with a sustainable fabric? Where did you find it, and what is your experience with it so far?