We’re just going to say it. We nerd out at the prospect of helping the Earth. We are the
Nerd-herd, after all; a team of engineers, veterinarians, scientists, nutritionists and more led by the farmer-owners of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). We are dedicated to using sustainable practices on our dairy farms — in big and small ways.
But that’s not enough for us.
We want to partner with you to keep those sustainability efforts going,
just like our farmer-owners do. Busy schedules (or feeling overwhelmed about where to even start!) often make that goal feel unattainable, but living sustainably can actually make your life easier.
Dairy can help you …
1. Drink your veggies. Not only are they delicious (and loaded with nutrients), but smoothies are also a great way to use up fruits and veggies that might otherwise go to waste. Overripe bananas, slightly wilted spinach and strawberries (with their green tops still attached!) are all great additions to a smoothie. Just throw them in a blender with sustainably made milk or yogurt for a satisfying treat. Or, use this delectable smoothie recipe to get you started.
2. Make it your own. While we’re on the topic of smoothies, here’s an easy formula you can customize for creamy smoothie deliciousness with sustainably made dairy. Just blend and enjoy!
· 1.5 cups milk, or 1 cup yogurt, 1 cup milk
· 1 frozen banana
· 1 orange or apple
· 1 cup frozen fruit of choice (berries, mango, pineapple, whatever you like!)
· 1 cup spinach or kale (Optional, but why not? The other flavors will dominate, so you won’t even taste it.)
· Any of your other smoothie go-to ingredients
3. Say “no thanks” to prepackaged lunches. Pack a meal that doesn’t come with all the waste. Use a bento-style box to make your own, using crackers, cheese made from sustainable dairy, meat, fruit, nuts — actually, go nuts! This is an incredible way to reduce waste heading to the landfill.
4. Perk up with a sustainable addition to your coffee. Add cream or milk from sustainably made dairy to your morning cup of joe for that smooth, creamy pick-me-up:
find a DFA farmer-owned brand near you. Then, keep the love for the planet going by sprinkling your coffee grounds over your garden for a phenomenal source of nitrogen (and less waste heading to the landfill!)
5. Join the compost revolution. Composting isn’t as overwhelming as it sounds. You can start small by simply composting raw veggie and fruit scraps. No room for this? Look into compost
drop offs in your area (some cities even have curbside pickup). Turned off by the smell? You can freeze your food scraps until you’re ready to compost them.
6. Opt for “no-cook” dinners. Conserve energy by making dinners that require minimal use of the oven or other appliances. “Girl Dinners” are having a moment right now: a plate full of delicious bites of cheese, baguette, meats, fruits — whatever you crave. For more inspiration, try this
radish salad, and for dessert, homemade no-churn ice cream is sure to be a winner.
7. Plan ahead to avoid over-cooking. Having a dinner party? Think about how many people you’ll be feeding, and plan accordingly. This helps you avoid food waste and save money at the same time. If you do end up with leftovers, your freezer is your best friend. There’s nothing better than getting to relive a great meal on another day.
8. Dunk responsibly. Level up your snack game by pairing your cookies with a perfectly cold glass of milk. Enjoying cookies with sustainably produced milk is the easiest way to treat yourself and support food doing good. Look for local
DFA brands for the ultimate dunking experience.
9. Party with pizza that gives back. It’s the most important ingredient on a pizza, so why not make it the smartest one, too? Choose a cheese made from
sustainably produced milk. Next level: top that pie with your leftovers and give them a second life. Veggies and proteins (meatballs, anyone?) make terrific pizza toppings.
10. Choose vessels with staying power. Whenever possible, opt for reusable products for storing and transporting your food. You can enjoy your meals and snacks even more by pairing them with products that aren’t destined for the landfill. For smoothies, that means reusable cups and stainless steel or reusable straws. Serve your meals on reusable plates, and (yes!) go with cloth napkins. When you add your small steps toward a sustainable lifestyle with those of others making the same commitment, you can make a big difference.
So, keep those sustainable vibes going. It’s our mission — as DFA’s Nerd Herd — to make every step of producing sustainably made dairy friendly to the environment. Dairy is a solution, and you’re part of it!