Are Milk Products Sustainable? Check out Cowgirl Creamery
Dairy farming has a HUGE impact on our environment; find out how this creamery is taking dairy production by the horns.
The unsustainable truth about dairy farming makes milk products much less desirable, as more people are turning to nut or milk alternatives. With 2% of total US greenhouse emissions coming from the dairy industry, choosing milk products doesn’t seem like the best way to support the environment. With over 278 million dairy cows in the world, maintaining cattle at an industrial level also has huge ripple effects on our environment.
What it takes to feed dairy herds just in the US:
144 gallons of water is required to produce 1 gallon of milk
93% of that water is allocated for feed
Each cow eats 100 lbs of feed per day
Dairy farming has other issues, such as methane production and farmland degradation that make a cream with your coffee all of a sudden extremely undesirable. Luckily, we found a creamery that doesn't have any of those issues, creating dairy products that are sustainable, local, and better for the planet.
What is Cowgirl Creamery?
Cowgirl Creamery crafts delicious cheeses from local and regional ingredients in Sonoma County. Their mission is to use dairy as a source of goods and make sustainably responsible products. Cowgirl Creamery was founded twenty-five years ago, with the importance of organic and sustainable food practices, which Cowgirl Creamery has championed ever since with each cheesy and tasty product they have put out.
What environmental issues does Cowgirl Creamery solve?
Cowgirl Creamery addresses several environmental issues, primarily focusing on sustainable agriculture. By prioritizing organic dairy, they support the health of the land and the communities around them. This commitment not only helps reduce the environmental impact of dairy farming but also promotes biodiversity and soil health.
Why are organic farming practices better than industrial practices?
Organic farming practices avoid the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm ecosystems and waterways. Instead, they use natural methods to manage pests and enrich the soil, fostering a healthier environment overall.
Use of sustainably sourced ingredients:
Cowgirl Creamery believes that the secret ingredient to delicious cheese starts with the land. They partner with local dairies in Marin and Sonoma counties to source organic, pasture-based cow's milk for all their products. By being committed to local and organic sourcing, they actively help to promote sustainable farming practices in their area.
By choosing pasture-based systems, they are able to allow their cows to graze on grass, which is akin to their natural diet. As a result, they are able to maintain their livestock in a more ethical and sustainable way. This not only improves the health and welfare of the cows but also contributes to a more sustainable ecosystem.
What are the benefits?
Well, grass-fed cows produce milk that is richer in nutrients and healthier for consumers (surprised?)... while grazing practices help maintain the health of the pastures, promoting carbon sequestration and reducing the carbon footprint of dairy farming.
Does Cowgirl Creamery's goods serve human or planetary needs?
Cowgirl Creamery's goods serve both human and planetary needs.
Human Needs:
Provides high-quality, delicious organic cheese: With a range of artisanal cheeses made from the highest quality organic ingredients, their products are crafted with their customers in mind. Did you know that organic cheese contains higher levels of beneficial nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, compared to conventionally produced cheese? So not only is the product better for the environment, but it's also better for your overall body and well-being.
Supports healthy communities through sustainable agricultural practices: By working closely with local farmers, Cowgirl Creamery helps support local economies and provides farmers with fair prices for their milk, ensuring that they can continue to operate sustainably. At Carom, that is what we are all about. We directly applaud companies that prioritize local economies to ensure their community thrives in the most sustainable way possible while contributing to the overall well-being of the region.
Planetary Needs:
Promotes sustainable agriculture by partnering with local organic dairies: Cowgirl Creamery's organic farming practices help protect the environment by avoiding synthetic chemicals and promoting biodiversity. Unlike industrial dairy farming practices, their use of sustainable agriculture practices also helps to conserve water, improve soil health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Encourages the health of the land through organic farming practices: Organic farming methods used by Cowgirl Creamery and its partners may help to enhance soil fertility and structure, promoting long-term sustainability. Healthy soils are essential for the production of nutritious food and the overall resilience of agricultural systems.
What happens to a Cowgirl Creamery product at the end of its life? Can it be integrated into a circular economy?
While the primary focus is on the quality and sustainability of the ingredients, Cowgirl Creamery products can potentially be integrated into a circular economy through composting of organic waste and recycling of packaging materials. Cheese itself is a biodegradable product, and any food waste can be composted to return valuable nutrients to the soil. And well, this food product can technically be composted by humans, traveling through your tummy and keeping you full.
Is Cowgirl Creamery a sustainable company I can trust?
Cowgirl Creamery has proven that it is committed to more than just making cheese. We have found that they uphold the highest standards as cheesemakers, food safety guardians, and practitioners of sustainability in agriculture and business.
Here are other reasons why we are vetting Cowgirl Creamery as a sustainable company:
Their partnership with local dairies supports local economies and reduces transportation emissions: By sourcing milk from nearby farms, they minimize the distance that their ingredients travel, reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation. This local approach not only supports the regional economy but also lessens the environmental impact of their supply chain.
They advocate for and practice sustainable agriculture: Cowgirl Creamery strongly advocates organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices. They work closely with their partner dairies to ensure that these practices are upheld, promoting a healthier environment and a more sustainable food system.
Overall, Cowgirl Creamery is dedicated to cultivating goodness in people, land, and communities. Their holistic approach to cheesemaking and sustainability sets them apart as a leader in the industry.
When you choose Cowgirl Creamery, you support sustainable agriculture, local communities, and the production of high-quality, delicious organic cheese. Your purchase helps promote a more sustainable food system, one that values the health of the land, the welfare of animals, and the well-being of people.
To learn more about Cowgirl Creamery's sustainable sourcing practices, explore Cowgirl Creamery on our sustainable marketplace.
We Need Your Help
We are building a living economy that can safeguard the Earth. Your support is crucial in helping us reach this goal. With a well-developed living economy, we can leave behind companies that prioritize profit over our planet. With your contribution, we can continue to create an economy where people and nature thrive together.
Your contribution, no matter how small, has a lasting impact.
Discover our Sustainable Marketplace
Our online marketplace proudly showcases other vetted sustainable businesses similar to Cowgirl Creamery that contribute to the Circular Economy. Each company featured in our marketplace undergoes a rigorous evaluation process, ensuring products adhere to our four-step methodology. When you choose to support these businesses, you're not just making a purchase; you're investing in a thriving economy that prioritizes environmental preservation.
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Key Takeaways:
Cowgirl Creamery is dedicated to organic and sustainable dairy farming. Their commitment to organic practices ensures that their products are made in a way that is better for the environment and for consumers.
They partner with local dairies in Marin and Sonoma counties. These partnerships support local economies and promote sustainable farming practices.
Their practices support both human and planetary health: By prioritizing organic and sustainable methods, Cowgirl Creamery contributes to the well-being of people and the planet.
They are committed to high standards in cheesemaking, food safety, and sustainability. Cowgirl Creamery upholds rigorous standards to ensure the quality and safety of its products while promoting sustainability.
Choosing Cowgirl Creamery means supporting sustainable agriculture and local communities. Your purchase helps foster a more sustainable and equitable food system.
