April 22 is Earth Day, a day when families honor and pledge to safeguard our planet. Saving our world's forests, minimizing destruction of the ozone layer, and curtailing contaminants of our soils and seas are common themes on Earth Day. But most people don't realize how important breastfeeding is when it comes to taking care of Mother Nature. The ecological consequences of cloth vs. disposable diapers are debated routinely, yet they are small potatoes compared to the consequences of the breast vs. formula decision. Breastmilk is one of the few foodstuffs produced and delivered to the consumer without any pollution, unnecessary packaging or waste, whereas the production, shipping and preparation of formula and bottles requires large amounts of water, fuel, glass, plastic and rubber - and produces significant amounts of garbage.
Many people know that breastfeeding is best for babies.
Some people know that breastfeeding offers health benefits to the mother. But very few people realize the importance of breastfeeding for the environment. Cow manure and urine pollute rivers and groundwater, while nitrate fertilizers used to grow feed for dairy cows leach into rivers and water. Cow flatulence releases methane into the atmosphere and is a major contributing factor to the destruction of the ozone layer. Land used for pasture often comes from clearing forests, a practice that erodes and depletes the soil.