By purchasing organic dairy products like Horizon organic milk, you probably feel that you’re doing a great thing for the environment. Unfortunately, Horizon organic milk, much like other large scale organic products, are often not as green as they first appear to be and are often guilty of “green-washing” their product (falsely advertising their product to be more green than it actually is). Due to eroding organic standards, Horizon organic milk producers are able to use genetically modified feed and keep their herds in factory farm conditions. At first glance, it may seem that in many small towns and communities around the country, large-scale industrial farmed organic dairy is often the best option. But there are alternatives.
Mainstream Alternatives to Horizon Organic Milk
If you’re concerned about the humane treatment of animals and want healthy dairy products, you may be able to get around the factory farming machine once and for all. The trick is to get creative and think outside the box (or in this case, cattle pen). The first option is to explore other milk options in your area. Visit health food stores and note the brands of milk they carry. Natural By Nature, for instance, is a great brand which prides itself on humane treatment of their cows and is actually from grassfed animals (which has numerous benefits, including more Vitamin A). Since it’s difficult to heavily confine grassfed animals, it stands to reason that this brand is a bit more humane.
Consider Raw, Organic Milk
Raw milk is catching on as a healthy, alive food. Rich in probiotics and other micronutrients that pasteurization removes, healthy grassfed, organic milk is a great and safe alternative to industrial products like Horizon organic milk. If raw milk is illegal in your state, consider finding a farmer who will basically sell you a share in a cow (or goat!). You’ll pay a maintenance fee for the farmer to keep and raise your cow, and in exchange, you’ll get some of the milk the cow produces. Choose your farm carefully and visit to ensure that it’s clean and well maintained.
Raise your own!
You can also take matters in to your own hands. If you’re in the country, you could get a goat and have fresh goat’s milk every morning. Goats are easy to maintain and small enough for many properties. Alternatively, consider brewing your own almond milk. Nut milks are a healthy alternative to dairy products and still provide calcium and other vitamins and minerals.
Whatever you decide, it’s important to understand that the label “organic milk” doesn’t mean that you’re getting a healthy product. Take steps to ensure that your beverage of choice is safe, healthy, and humane for all involved.
