By Blythe Copeland | Mon Oct 19, 2009 15:40
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Buy Green: Milk
Milk: Does a body good. Especially when it's also good to the earth.
Whether you swallow it by the gallon or just splash it in your cereal or coffee, milk is a key part of the average diet--even if you're using lactose-free or vegan versions.
To find the perfect healthy and eco-friendly version, there's a lot to keep in mind?from how well the climate and terrain in a certain area can support cows to whether or not it's worth the food miles to import milk from other regions just to get organic. Often, the family-owned dairies in your neighborhood offer the most reliable, animal-friendly option (the last listing will help you find a dairy near you). The next time you are staring down the name brands in your supermarket, keep these five suggestions in mind.
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365 Organic Milk From Whole Foods Market
Why We Like It:When the Cornucopia Institute released its organic milk rankings, private-label Whole Foods 365 Organic Milk earned a four-cow ranking of "Excellent" for its low cull rate, farm supervision, and support of family farms over factory farms.
Eco-Factor: The cows that provide Whole Foods organic milk are never given antibiotics or reproductive hormones, and they spend their lives on family-owned farms where they are given plenty of time to roam pastures and eat 100-percent organic feed.
Varieties: Whole, 2%, 1%, Fat-free
Where: Whole Foods Market
How Much: Around $6
Courtesy of Whole Foods Market
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Organic Milk From Stonyfield Farm
Why We Like It: Stonyfield Farm's Organic Milk is a more recent addition to the company's 26-year-strong lineup of organic dairy that includes yogurt for babies, kids, and adults; smoothies and soy yogurts; ice cream and frozen yogurt; and Greek yogurt.
Eco-Factor: Stonyfield gets its milk from farmers who refuse to use antibiotics or hormones, and "rely on good nutrition and minimal stress to keep the cows healthy, happy, and productive." The company's other dairy products are also made with organic milk and fruits processed the same day they are picked for maximum freshness.
Varieties: Whole, 2%, 1%, Fat-free
Where: Check the store locator
How Much: $4
Courtesy of Stonyfield Farm
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Organic Milk From Organic Valley
Why We Like It: Organic Valley works with dairy farmers all over the country to offer regional milk sales, so that half-gallon of Organic Milk in your fridge is supporting organic dairy farms in your corner of the country.
Eco-Factor: Along with hormone- and antibiotic-free cows, the regional sales aspect of the Organic Valley brand means you're choosing a milk that has a positive effect on your local economy?and that didn't require a cross-country trip in a refrigerated truck to get to your door.
Varieties: Whole, 2%, 1%, Fat-free, Lactose-free, Chocolate
Where: Check the store locator
How Much: $6
Courtesy of Organic Valley Family of Farms
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Organic Soy Milk From Edensoy
Why We Like It: Organic Soy Milk from Edensoy is a vegan alternative to the other organic milks on this list?but it's fortified with calcium to keep your bones strong, and comes in a variety of deliciously sweet flavors.
Eco-Factor: In addition to the benefits of a vegan diet and the use of organic soybeans, Eden works?as a company?to minimize its environmental impact, from limiting idling in its delivery trucks to recycling its own plastic packaging on-site.
Varieties: Original, Carob, Chocolate, Vanilla, Unsweetened
Where: Eden Foods
How Much: $0.90-$3 or $6-$12 for multi-pack samplers
Courtesy of Eden Foods
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Organic Milk From Your Local Dairy
Why We Like It: Buying organic milk from a local dairy can be as good for your health as it is for the environment: Often smaller and family-owned, these local farms have more control over what the cows are fed and how they're treated, and tend to be more open about their techniques and processes than the bigger national brands. Plus, the milk is usually fresher and tastier.
Eco-Factor: The cows are healthy, the milk is organic, and the transportation costs are minimal?and since they are local, these farms have a much smaller footprint than the factories that provide milk nationwide.
Varieties: Whole, 2%, 1%, Fat-free
Where: The Cornucopia Institute's Organic Dairy Rankings offer contact information for brands all over the country.
How Much: Prices vary; check your local dairy for specifics
Courtesy of Adrian Samson/Getty Images
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