8 Convincing Reasons to Stop Drinking Milk Immediately

What could be more quintessentially American than a glass of milk? Specifically, cow's milk. Given this widespread belief, it's high time we recognize that the milk mustache belongs on the list of enduring American misconceptions. Humans are not meant to consume any milk other than human milk (and that too, only in infancy). As you’ll learn below, consuming dairy products—milk, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, ice cream, etc.—is neither eco-friendly nor beneficial to health.

The situation is equally distressing for the cows. Here's how the folks at GoVeg describe it: "The 9 million cows on U.S. dairy farms spend the majority of their lives confined in cramped sheds or on mud-covered lots, where disease is widespread. Cows used for milk production are repeatedly impregnated. Their calves are taken away so humans can consume the milk meant for them. When these cows can no longer produce enough milk, they're sent to slaughter and turned into hamburger meat."

*Adopting a dairy-free lifestyle has never been simpler... so here’s a bit of encouragement to help you switch to a greener, kinder, non-dairy path.

The first four reasons focus on environmental concerns related to milk consumption.

1. Dairy cows generate waste.

A significant amount of waste. In fact, an average dairy cow produces 120 pounds of waste daily—equivalent to the output of over two dozen people, but without the benefit of toilets, sewers, or treatment facilities.

2. Just to emphasize: Dairy cows produce an enormous amount of waste (and emit greenhouse gases).

California is responsible for producing one-fifth of the nation's total milk. According to MilkSucks.com, "In California's Central Valley, cows generate as much waste as a city of 21 million people, and even a modest farm with 200 cows produces as much nitrogen as the sewage from a town of 5,000 to 10,000 residents, according to a U.S. Senate report on animal waste."

3. Milk production contributes to climate change.

The dairy industry is essentially an offshoot of the beef industry (spent dairy cows are sent to slaughter after only four years, one-fifth of their natural lifespan), which plays a significant role in driving climate change. Here's how it works: The dairy industry raises cows before they are sent to be slaughtered by the beef industry, which is now recognized as an environmental disaster. "As per a UN report," writes Brian Merchant, "cows are major contributors to climate change ... Responsible for 18% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, cows release more greenhouse gases than cars, planes, and all other transportation combined." This means that the exploitation of all cows—including dairy cows—fuels harmful activities such as deforestation and pollution, including runoff.

4. Milk may contain harmful additives.

Under current industrial farming practices, cow’s milk often becomes a toxic mix of artificial substances, including bio-engineered hormones, antibiotics (55% of U.S. antibiotics are given to livestock), and pesticides—all of which are harmful to both human health and the environment. For instance, unintentional pesticide poisonings kill an estimated 355,000 people worldwide each year. Additionally, the chemicals administered to livestock often end up in our water supply.

Which brings us to... the health reasons to steer clear of milk.

5. Cow's milk is intended for cows.

The chemical composition of cow's milk is perfectly designed to transform a 65-pound calf into a 400-pound cow in just one year. For instance, it contains three times as much protein and seven times as many minerals, while human milk has 10 times more essential fatty acids, three times more selenium, and half the calcium. While some may enjoy cow's milk, consuming it is both unnecessary and potentially harmful.

6. Milk is not an ideal source of calcium for your diet.

6. Milk is actually not a great source of calcium. Just like cows, humans can obtain all the calcium they require from a plant-based diet.

7. Contrary to what many believe, milk could actually increase the risk of osteoporosis.

It is still commonly believed that the calcium in dairy products strengthens our bones and helps prevent osteoporosis, but research reveals that animal-based foods (like milk) can make the blood acidic. When this happens, calcium is leached from the bones to restore the blood's pH balance. While this process benefits the blood’s acidity levels, it weakens bones and contributes to osteoporosis. As John Robbins explains, "The only research suggesting that dairy might help prevent osteoporosis has been funded by the National Dairy Council itself."

8. Milk contributes to weight gain.

In 2005, the Harvard School of Public Health stated: "Three servings of low-fat milk add over 300 calories to your daily intake. This poses a significant problem for the millions of Americans trying to manage their weight. Additionally, many Americans are lactose intolerant, and even small amounts of milk or dairy cause stomach discomfort, gas, or other issues."

It’s simple to ditch dairy. Here are 7 easy vegan recipes to help you get started on the right foot.