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Boletín Clínico de la Asociación Médica del Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora

2021, Number 1

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Bol Clin Hosp Infant Edo Son 2021; 38 (1)

Breastfeeding and its impact on the environment

Reyes-Vázquez HL, Espejel-Huerta D

Language: Spanish
References: 21
Page: 22-27
PDF size: 102.46 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Breast milk is a natural, safe and renewable resource, so it is harmless to the environment. Producing unnecessary infant and toddler formulas exacerbates environmental damage. The dairy industry contributes around 30% of the world’s greenhouse gases. Methane production from livestock is second only to oil and gas industry production, and methane traps heat in the earth, being 30 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Infant formulas add up to household waste tons of paper and metal in the world. The kilometers accumulated in the transport of raw materials and ingredients to these plants and transport of finished formula to consumers around the world are considerable, generating environmental pollution. Since powdered cow’s milk is not nutritionally suitable for a developing baby, the formula is supplemented with additives (palm oil, coconut), minerals and vitamins. It is not clear if these supplements are nutritionally optimal, but their production has an undeniable effect on the environment. In relation to the carbon footprint, breastfeeding saves between 95 and 153 kg of CO2 per baby, in six months, compared to formula feeding. To remove the myriad obstacles that new breastfeeding mothers face, we must recognize that “our house is on fire” and that the next generation requires us to act quickly.


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