While cow’s milk and soy milk are roughly equivalent in protein, cow’s milk takes 10 times the amount of freshwater and 14 times the amount of land to produce.
Source: “Healthy Diets for a Healthier Planet,” Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, viewed July 16, 2026. (See chart on final page comparing environmental footprints of dairy and plant-based milks; the protein calculations are available at MyFoodData online calculator.)
Learn how to reduce your environmental footprint through plant-based eating by visiting the Plant-Based Eating page on Green Newton’s website or connecting with a volunteer Plant-Based Eating Coach.