Letter to the editor: Plant-based dairy products better for all

June is National Dairy Month, a time to reflect on the ethical, financial and nutritional burden that is the dairy industry. NPR reported in April that America’s dairy consumption has been rising for decades and so has the carbon footprint. The country’s dairy habit accounts for about 2% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Dairy is an outdated industry that leans on a cycle of constant insemination and impregnation of cows to produce milk intended for her newborn calf. The offspring are torn from their mothers so we can steal their milk for human consumption. At a rate of 24 billion gallons a year nationwide. Dairy products are laden with cholesterol, saturated fats, hormones, pathogens and antibiotics, leading to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

The solution to this problem is obvious. Food manufacturers have developed incredible plant-based milks, cheeses, yogurts and ice cream. U.S. sales alone are expected to exceed $2 billion this year.

It is time for everyone to explore plant-based dairy products, for the sake of our economy, our personal health and the health of the animals.

Eric C. Lindstrom

Ithaca, N.Y.

The writer is executive director of the Farm Animal Rights Movement.