The carbon footprint of the dairy industry has become an increasingly hot topic over the last decade. Though massive steps have been taken to combat environmental challenges faced by the industry, the first global indicator of dairy sustainability framework (DSF) was launched by Global Dairy Agenda for Action. Eleven key rules were made aiming to improve the dairy supply chain.
Cow milk has increasingly been under scrutiny due to its environmental impact and ethical consideration over animal welfare. People are switching to plant-based milk for sustainable living since environment impact per unit weight of products plant-based milk is sustainably lower than that of cow milk due to avoided emission from animal manure and feed productivity.
Alpro, which produces sustainable soy-based products, claims that soya uses four times less water than cow milk, two times less land and produces half less carbon dioxide emission.
Due to this shift in the diet plan, milk consumption has declined over 30% since 1980. There has been a 13% increase in the annual milk production per dairy cow, creating an oversupply in which farmers now dispose of more than 50 million gallons of milk.
Now, the question is what should be done with this waste milk?
Current research says that milk can be used to capture carbon dioxide from fossil fuel-based power plant emissions. Waste milk from cows can be used to create activated carbons, which will absorb carbon dioxide from the output. Powdered milk can be converted into advanced activated carbon with the right porosity and surface chemistry to absorb carbon dioxide, allowing much better control than with current material used for this process, like coconut shells or coal.
Milk-derived carbon sorbents could also be used in other applicants, such as indoor air purification and water treatment.
On an average, a cow releases 150-260 pounds of methane per year and employing their milk to capture carbon dioxide would also help offset these emissions of greenhouse gases. The use of waste milk can also be a boost to the dairy industry.
About the Author: A bookaholic, Malika Kapoor is pursuing graduation in zoology. They know how to hold the beauty of nature, capture it and transform that magnificence of life’s canvas into words.