SUSTAINABILITY From cow milk to alternative milk and back

BY KATIE BLOOMER ‘25

I spend most of my time practicing small, individual changes toward being more sustainable. Most of these involve classic swaps like shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes, and reusable water bottles. By making these changes, I am reducing my own use of plastic and encouraging those around me to do the same. Some people argue that individual changes don’t make a dent in the problem and aren’t worth trying. Although I agree that societal change is needed, I still think that my own actions are making a difference. In fact, I know they are. I see it every week when my trash fills at a slower rate than it used to. It is clear that I am sending less to the landfill. Even if I won’t single-handedly change the world with my swaps, you can’t convince me that it isn’t at least a step in the right direction.

In order to change the world, we need a complete shift through industrial and widespread change. For example, this could be achieved if Colgate decided to make all of their toothbrushes out of compostable material. Many people are dedicated to Colgate and would not abandon their preferred brand even if this change was made. As a result, thousands of people would make the switch to a less wasteful toothbrush option. Unfortunately, it is not often that large companies make these sorts of drastic changes. They already have a big audience and don’t want to risk losing even some of them, even if it could have a massive positive impact on the environment. Instead of making a company-wide change, most business leaders see an opportunity for profit and create eco-friendly product lines. Although these products are technically a step in the right direction, they are made with the intention of making more money and appealing to a wider audience rather than for moral reasons. By purchasing from these lines, you are supporting the company which is overall doing more harm than good. Instead, purchase from small businesses or completely low-waste companies which actually care about the environment.

How can we break this cycle? Big companies need to start caring about their impacts. Unfortunately, this often will cost them more money. As consumers, we need to demand change! This can involve boycotting, writing letters or emails, or educating others about the problems with particular companies. People tend to think that it’s impossible to