5 Environmental Benefits of Organic Milk

The dairy industry is responsible for much of the ecological damages associated with mainstream livestock production. Some conscientious consumers choose to go vegan to prevent the detrimental effects on the environment caused by cattle-farming, but, if you do include dairy in your diet, there are dozens of environmental benefits associated with organic cow's milk.

Here are ten of the most important environmental benefits of organic milk.

1. No antibiotics.

USDA-certified organic milk can only come from cows who are not treated with antibiotics. The routine use of antibiotics in dairy cows is the primary reason for the development of "superbug" bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Organic dairy cows who become sick are given antibiotics, but removed from the herd. By choosing organic milk, you help to protect the environment and humanity from the ongoing and imminent threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

2. No pesticides.

Organic dairy cows are only given foods that are not treated with pesticides. Organic milk benefits the environment because it requires a nonexistent or negligible input of synthetic pesticides. This helps the environment because it eliminates the toxic by-products associated with pesticide production and use. It keeps our soil, groundwater and rivers clear of these toxic compounds and prevents the unintentional death of endangered insect and animal species.

3. No GMOs.

Many environmentalists choose to avoid the use of genetically modified crops in their diets for philosophical (or perceived ecologica) reasons. Certified organic livestock can not be fed genetically modified corn, so, for environmentalists who are opposed to GMOs, going organic is one more advantage.

4. A Cooler Planet

Organic cow's milk benefits the environment by helping to fight global warming. Non-organic dairy cows usually eat a diet composed primarily or entirely of genetically modified corn. Unable to properly digest it, they develop severe gas, which leads to significant discomfort and flatulence. When cows pass this much digestive gas, they emit methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas. Organic milk helps to combat global warming by reducing animal-sourced methane emissions.

5. Happier Cows

We will never have a healthy planet until we learn to respect creatures great and small, both domestic and wild. Organic farms treat dairy cows with significantly more respect than conventional factory farming techniques. Organic cattle are given healthier foods, access to pasture, holistic disease prevention and the opportunity to socialize with one another in a normal and natural setting. By facilitating holistic farming techniques, you enable our fellow creatures to live happier any healthier lives.