The dairy
industry, along with the USDA, is committed to advancing their eco-friendly
sustainability practices. Over the next 10 years, they plan to reduce the
output of greenhouse gasses by 25 percent. This has been made possible thanks
to the USDA’s funding of approximately 25,000 environmental improvement
projects through grants.
Since 1944,
resources to produce a gallon of milk have decreased. This includes 90 percent
less cropland, 65 percent less water, and 63 percent less carbon.
Carbon
Footprint
The carbon
footprint of a gallon of milk is 17.6 pounds, about 2 percent of the total US
emissions.
Green Cows
One cow
produces 17 gallons of manure a day! Cow manure is rich in nutrients, so it can
fertilize the land for growing crops that both people and animals will eat. By
using 17 gallons of manure fertilizer, farmers can grow about 56 pounds of corn
or 84 pounds of tomatoes!
Manure isn’t
just for fertilizing anymore—it can also be converted into electricity, fiber,
and fuel for vehicles!
Did you know
that 75 percent of a cow’s diet is not consumable by humans? Cows have four
stomachs; they can recycle food that people are unable to eat.
Water
Water is
important on farms to keep cows hydrated and healthy. But, water isn’t just
used to hydrate the cows; it’s also used to water crops and cool milk.
Milk leaves
the cow’s body at 101 degrees, so a cooling system is used to chill the milk to
38 degrees. By cooling the milk, we make sure that your milk stays fresh from
the farm to your fridge!
At South Mountain Creamery, our goal is to be totally green by 2015!
At South Mountain Creamery, our goal is to be totally green by 2015!
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