Buying milk

[mrgorth]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but I try to make intelligent purchasing decisions and buyblue isn't around anymore. I'm single but have my kids part of the time. Since I moved out I've been buying organic milk. I WAS buying Stoneyfield but switched to buying Horizon because I like the taste and it comes with DHA now. Part of the reason I buy organic is to piss off the PA dairy association who lobbied to make certain claims on organic cartons removed. However, I don't know if I'm doing the right thing. If Stoneyfield and Horizon are hundreds of miles away am I creating a larger carbon footprint or do they use local dairies? Thanks!

[glinda]

1. Buying Milk

I don't know where you live but you might try Google to do a search for nearby dairy farms. If you cannot find one then I would contact the Organic Companies that you can find and email them telling them your concern in finding the nearest location as that may be the best you can hope for. Some Companies are quite helpful. Good Luck.

[Tumbulu]

2. Out west these big names use local dairies

My personal preference is to stay away from Horizon unless you know the actual dairy it comes from. They are the ones who use these CAFO dairies with organic grain, with no or little access to pasture.

But, perhaps you can e-mail Horizon and Stoneyfield and ask for a list of the local dairies they buy from in your area. And then you will be able to make a better decision.

[grasswire]

3. local is more important than organic

...when it comes to the environment. So yes, you should find out where the dairies AND the processing plants are. Maybe there's something closer.

[cyberswede]

4. Organic Consumers Assoc. buying guide

Buying Guide
http://www.organicconsumers.org/btc/BuyingGuide.cfm

Organic Consumers Association website:
http://www.organicconsumers.org

We buy Organic Valley milk - I think it tastes great, and I think they're a very reputable company (unlike Horizon).

[tama]

5. Buy a cow

or if that sound too much to handle, goats and/or sheep. :)

[juno jones]

6. If you have a Co-op or Heath food store nearby

go in and ask them. Our local CO and HFS both carry several different kinds of local milk including organics. Good luck in your search! :)