Cows

Every year in New Zealand, over four million calves are separated from their mothers at birth. The milk which would nourish and sustain these calves is instead taken and consumed by humans. As many as two million calves are killed every year, considered ‘waste products’ of the dairy industry.

Many people don’t realise that a dairy cow needs to give birth to produce milk. One of the dairy industry’s darkest secrets is what happens to those newborn calves. Investigations in New Zealand in 2015 and 2016 exposed many of these issues, leaving many caring Kiwis shocked and wanting to take action.

Despite what the dairy industry says, scientific studies show that we can get all the nutrients we need from plants. In fact, green leafy vegetables and legumes are some of the healthiest sources of calcium available.

More and more Kiwis are making the switch to plant-based versions of dairy products, and the options are endless!

Craving cheese and ice cream? Check out our dairy alternatives page for inspiration.

Cows are not the only casualty of dairy farming. Our environment has been severely impacted through the modification of natural ecosystems, the compaction of land, pollution of waterways and greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental effects of dairying will only get worse if further dairy expansion is permitted. For the health of our environment, as well as the sustainability of our economy, we need to decrease our reliance on the dairy sector and animal agriculture in general.

Considering that animal farming is responsible for most of New Zealand’s greenhouse gases, there has never been a better time to embrace a plant-based diet. We have all of the tips and advice you need to get you started. Sign up for the plant-based challenge today!