This week, Waitrose said almond milk had overtaken soya as its customers’ preferred dairy alternative. But aside from a modicum of fertilizer, these groves don’t produce even a fraction of the poisonous waste that dairy farms dump daily. Critics of the versatile bean and nutritious nut are saying that their environmental profile isn’t as green as we’d all like to believe. The main issues associated with almond milk production are water use and pesticide use, which may produce long lasting effects on the environment in drought-stricken California, where more than 80% of the world’s almonds are grown. Perhaps the best would be to avoid milk altogether, look for proper … "Plant things that bloom in off seasons — I try to think of times when bees may have less food, so I might plant things that typically bloom in fall or winter. majestic animals are increasingly endangered, the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, so I might plant things that typically bloom in fall. The high volume of water consumption necessary for almond cultivation often leads to environmental harm in the form of land drought. The nuts (or seeds, if you are a botanical pedant) are packed full of vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant chemicals, as well as protein, healthy fats and fibre, and eating almonds is associated with a lowered risk of heart disease and Alzheimer’s, among other conditions. Oat milk is a much better alternative to dairy. Each American, on average, consumes more than two pounds of almonds each year, found in products like almond milk, cereal mixes, and packaged snacks (everything from sweet treats to granola bars). Dairy, she adds, “is a really great source of a readily available form of calcium, so you need to look for plant-based milk that is fortified with calcium, essential for maintaining bones as we get older”. From an environmental point of view, Ludlam-Raine recommends trying hemp or oat milk instead of almond. Almonds are estimated to have a carbon footprint 10 times smaller than that of dairy milk. Think twice before you pour it on your cereal, Last modified on Fri 17 Aug 2018 23.38 EDT. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Almond is a part of the list of the most popular allergic nuts; hence, consumption of … The unhealthy truth about almond milk is that not only does it cause hormonal imbalances, but it is depleting ground water reserves in the U.S. chrome chrome "People should buy organic where they can, whenever they can… Almonds are a great place to go organic, even if you eat less almonds overall, because that's how we'll solve the problem in the long run. A few years ago, those avoiding cow’s milk because of lactose intolerance or for ethical reasons were drinking soya, but health scares have seen a rising demand for alternative plant “milks”, including rice, hemp and – most popular – almond. "There could be a couple of unseasonably warm days in a row, and the bees in a single colony could all come out of hibernation in early spring, but they'll die because they could be missing a food source as the flowers haven't bloomed just yet.". After all, there's an onslaught of pathogens and parasites found in nature, plus habitat fragmentation — which is "similar to a food desert for bees, since they only forage for food in areas within one to two miles away. But, like many other brands, Alpro’s almond content is just 2% – the biggest ingredient is water, followed by sugar. In a world where many majestic animals are increasingly endangered due to climate change, the plight to save the honeybee may not seem as dire as it truly is. Just like avocados, the production of almond milk is reliant on pollination by bees. For agricultural experts and conservationists alike, the general decline of the honey bee (and the 4,000 species of wild bees overall) has been quietly alarming for many years — but recent data suggests that the decline has turned into a full-blown freefall. Introducing the GH Book Club! Jennifer Sass, Ph.D., a senior health scientist for the Natural Resources Defense Council, says that the almond industry isn't totally responsible for the decrease of honeybees in particular. On cartons of Alpro (“enjoy plant power”), one of the market leaders that uses almonds grown in the Mediterranean, there is a picture of an almond breaking open as if this elixir of good health is exploding out of it. Almond milk and dairy production are both terrible for the environment. ", And, yes, cutting back on your almond obsession could help preserve what's left of the dwindling honeybee population. By Sarah Berry Updated November 10, 2015 … By comparison, it can take up to 880 gallons of water to produce a gallon of dairy milk. It’s enough – or should be – to make anyone spit out their almond milk latte in alarm. Like most others, it also contains additives such as stabilisers and emulsifiers. "People should mow their lawn less, and mow it a little higher, because that allows clover to grow into it," she shares, adding that clover and any other blooming weed can also provide pollen and nectar for bees in off seasons. "Hemp milk is made from hemp seeds, and just one hectare of hemp offsets a year's carbon from two cars as it breathes in four times more Co2 than trees; hemp really is good news for the planet," she explained. The main environmental concern with almond milk seems to be the amount of water needed to grow almonds, coupled with the fact that most almond trees are grown in drought-hit California.“It takes 1.1 gallons (4.16 litres) of water to grow one almond.” (The Guardian quoted this article, which stated where they obtained their data from: Mekonnen, M. M and Hoekstra, A. Y 2011. Now that’s a lot of waste. It’s preservative … Those motivated by environmental reasons to cut out cow’s milk argue they want to reduce the planetary footprint of what they consume. Almond milk is the most popular nondairy alternative, accounting for 64 percent of that market. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Almond trees need to be pollinated but bringing in 1.6m hives to California every year, “into an area dripping with insecticides is a recipe for disaster” writes Philpott (up to 25% of the hives were damaged in 2014), including whole colonies killed off; this spring they fared better after guidelines were issued about pesticide-use during the trees’ blooming season). Almond milk is believed to be bad for the environment because of the amount of water and land used in addition to the amount of carbon dioxide produced in growing almonds. The Truth Behind the Decline in Bees According to recent data, billions of … If they decide to go completely organic, or use other measures to keep all chemicals and pesticides out of their fields and trees, it makes a big difference for all bees," Sass says. All animal agriculture pollutes groundwater and endangers human health (and that’s before you even eat these products). The amount of sugar is less than the natural sugars found in cow’s milk, so it has fewer calories, but there is also less protein – 0.5g to the 3.5g you’ll get in the same amount of cow’s milk. "The commercial almond growers make such a difference here. Bee colony deaths surpassed all-time highs last year, with beekeepers reporting an average loss of 38% of honeybee colonies in the winter season, per a 2019 survey issued by the Bee Informed Partnership, a nonprofit established by the United States Department of Agriculture. But what has caused the death of upwards of 40 to 50 billion honeybees last winter, you might ask? Since the demand has been so high, almond growers have started to farm their fields earlier than ever. Soy milk, almond milk, and rice milk are all popular, but they all use more water than the aforementioned plant milks, Poore's study found. Almond milk sales in the United States have soared recently, exceeding $1 billion in 2018 a number that is expected to continue climbing 14.3 percent before the end of 2025. Almond groves do use a lot of water. A single glass requires 74 litres (130 pints of water) - more than a typical shower. What may be surprising, though, is that almond milk takes a toll on the environment in other ways. Organic almonds grown in Europe can be pricier but do not use pesticides that can endanger bees. According to a new feature published by The Guardian this week, the American almond industry may be tipping the scales with their huge demand for honeybees to pollinate their orchards, and could be to blame for the loss of billions of bees over the last year alone. Common sources of protein are soy products like tofu and tempeh, while almond milk is a popular replacement for cow’s milk. Unfortunately many people aren't aware that almond is destroying their health. But Sass says the popularity of almonds (everything from whole nuts to the varieties used in plant-based milks) has created even more stress, as almond farmers are "so reliant on the honeybee to pollinate their crops, exclusively. Many people think almond milk is a healthy options as a milk alternative. According to recent data, billions of bees are dying at the hands of the almond industry. Pesticides, including clothianidin and dicamba, can work to slowly impact the honeybees' immune systems and their reproductive cycles. Almond milk: quite good for you – very bad for the planet Sales of the non-dairy milk alternative are on the rise. "Keep chemicals out of your garden and off your blooms," Sass says, advising that no commercial products should be sprayed on or near trees, flowers, or even common sidewalk areas. The environmental problems associated with almond milk. However when you compare it to cows milk it isn’t worse for the environment. Zee Krstic is a health editor for GoodHousekeeping.com, where he covers the latest in health and nutrition news, decodes diet and fitness trends, and reviews the best products in the wellness aisle. )There are 92 almonds in a cup, which make… We found some interesting statistics that can help you gauge the environmental impact of almond milk. Almonds are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. The most obvious benefit is that almond milk is dairy-free, which means individuals who experience allergic reactions when using cow’s milk can use almond milk without such worries. Over the last few years, almond milk has taken the Unites States by storm as a healthy and lower-calorie milk alternative. Emily Cassidy writing for PlanetVision also noted the strain almond milk can have on our water, and mentioned that packaging can still leave a footprint on the environment even if the milk … Like quinoa, another staple of hip “health” obsessives before it, production of almond milk also appears to have a hefty environmental impact. Snoop around the contents of an “eat clean” aficionado’s grocery basket and chances are, among the organic cauliflower and mountain of avocados, you will come across a carton of almond milk. Since almond milk is mainly produced in specific regions and countries (mainly California), the pollution and emissions that arise as a result of the transportation of almond milk from one continent to another … "If I see clover growing in a lawn, I know two things: One, that bees have a place to land and have food, and two, that homeowners aren't using harmful pesticides on their lawns. The listed health benefits will vary based on the specific product since some of these milks can be artificially sweetened or may contain other ingredients that affect nutritional quality. The study added that cashew crops are pretty low-yielding, meaning cashew milk is probably not the most eco-friendly option. Almond milk provides only 1 gram of protein per cup (240 ml) while cow’s and soy milk … ", Believe it or not, wild clover is one of the best assets any bee can have in the wild. But the super-healthy nuts – mostly grown in drought-hit California – need millions of litres of water to be produced. That's all wonderful, but coverage of almond-nutrition research necessarily affords a narrow vantage on health. Soy milk can be a great alternative to dairy milk, but you’ll want to pay attention to where … But that doesn’t mean it’s bad for the environment. While many have celebrated almond milk for its delicious flavor, nutritional benefits, and lesser environmental impact, ... cherrypicked stats and statements that make almond milk sound bad. A Swedish study also found that greenhouse gas emissions were 16 – 41% lower when cow’s milk production was substituted for oat milk production (15). Plant-based milks not only typically need less water than dairy, but they also have a smaller carbon footprint. There are countless organizations that have sprung up over the years to help consumers understand which products have been made sustainably with bee colonies in mind, including "Bee Better," which also works to plants blooms among almond trees to promote successful seasons. Almond milk’s overall impact on the environment While the discussion of almond production is important to whether almond milk is bad for the … Here are two healthy, more environmentally-friendly options. It may create long-lasting effects on the environment such as drought-stricken in where more than 80% of the world’s almonds are grown. While almond milk has many benefits, there are some important downsides to consider. If they're in an area that doesn't have enough blooms, it's a disadvantage," Sass says — to worry about. Protein, says Helen Bond, spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, “gives a feeling of fullness, it helps you to feel fuller for longer, and a lot of people are trying to get their protein intake up”. And even if the farmers don't pull bees out of their hibernation period early, global warming and rising temperatures may do it for them, Sass says. Ditch the almond milk, for starters. Prof. R. Jayaraman (VU2JN) A Personal blog on Academic career in Civil Engineering, Amateur Radio hobby, and other interests Menu Skip to content Lacks protein. Almond milk requires more water to produce than soy or oat milk. There’s plenty of reasons why almond milk is undesirable; its low levels of almonds, the additives and the waste of transporting mainly water around. ", Helping Kids Process Grief Over Celebrity Deaths, Everyone Assumes My Family Is White, and We're Not, 30+ Endangered Animals You Should Know About, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Is Almond Milk Really Bad for the Environment? It makes sense, then, to assume almond milk is packed with healthy properties. ", Per the latest data from the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, the American almond industry has been growing steadily. Almond milk is bad for the environment, which is bad for your health. Almond milk lovers, be prepared for some bad news. However, producing almond milk uses roughly 17 times more water than cow’s milk per litre, but cow’s milk emits nearly 10 times more greenhouse gases per litre (14). F or environmentally minded consumers, the news is hard to swallow: almond milk is not healthy for the planet and the popular milk substitute is especially hard on … But consumers of soy and almonds have been getting a bad rap lately. Food Almond Milk Is Not the Problem It’s fine if you don’t like it. The main problems are water use and pesticide use associated with almond milk production. Sales of the non-dairy milk alternative are on the rise. It takes 1.1 gallons (5 litres) of water to grow one almond, and thanks to the big profits they bring in, almond orchards continue to be planted (this isn’t to say cow’s milk, which takes about 100 litres of water to produce 100ml of milk, is more environmentally friendly – more that its production is not concentrated in one area of the globe). Alarm as almond farmers consume California's water, overtaken soya as its customers’ preferred dairy alternative, takes 1.1 gallons (5 litres) of water to grow one almond, 100 litres of water to produce 100ml of milk, apocalyptic piece for Mother Jones by Tom Philpott, up to 25% of the hives were damaged in 2014. More than 80% of the world’s almond crop is grown in California, which has been experiencing its worst drought on record. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 7 Easy Ways to Update Your Overnight Oats, All of Your Face Mask Questions, Answered, Easy Grocery Swaps To Reset Your Sugar Consumption, 10 Teas That Will Help Fight Off Your Cold. Below is a list of the most common dairy-free milks that are produced using plants instead of cows. Almonds require a huge amount of water to grow. This might surprise you is that almond milk takes damage to the environment in ways not as we expected. Switching to almond milk might be good for your health, but it's less friendly for the health of the planet. Nut Allergies. According to Datawrapper, a single almond needs 5 … Soy Milk. But if you have the space in your own home, you too can aid all wild bees. It seems like every day someone asks me to dichotomize a health trend : good or bad. Almond milk is the most popular plant-based milk in the US. Cows are a major user of land and resources, and are a key source of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Furthermore, insatiable demand for almonds is harming honeybees, already an embattled species. The continual demand for almond crops is putting unsustainable pressures … A recent NPR report claims that some almond farmers are using pollen and nectar substitutes to get bees to repopulate their hives in the dead of winter, when bees are supposed to be dormant. But the biggest killer isn't the weather or a lack of food — it could be the pesticides used by all commercial farmers in their fields, even those outside of the almond industry. If you have to drink milk, Almond Milk seems to be the lesser of the two evils to the environment, but both Almond Milk and Cow Milk, as well as any other milks, have their cost. Last year, an apocalyptic piece for Mother Jones by Tom Philpott, who has long detailed the environmental ravages of this crop in California, summed up the problems: almond farmers drilling thousands of feet down into aquifiers to pump out water has resulted, in some areas, in subsidence of around 11 inches a year, which “threatens vital infrastructure like bridges, roads, and irrigation canals” and could trigger earthquakes. Almond milk is in fashion, but that doesn't mean it is good for you, or for the environment. Why trust us?