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Eco Goddess

July 7, 2016 snacks

5 Easy Plant-Based Milks

Soak it. Drain it. Blend it. Serve it. This is the standard kitchen protocol you will find many adopting as they venture into the world of making their own plant-based milks at home. The best part about making your own plant-based milk at home? You may ask… Well, keep reading to learn why your girl Eco Goddess has made the switch and how you too can make the switch to save money, reduce your waste, and load up on healthy vitamins and minerals with each sip.

Why Make the Switch?

Since the boom in plant-based milk options offered at grocery stores worldwide, the debate over what milk is best for you has naturally increased as well. Is dairy milk even good for you? Is it bad for you? Are plant-based milks better for you? If so, which ones? Well, I’d like to believe that there is good and bad in everything. As Madelyn Fernstrom, NBC News Health and Nutrition Editor, so perfectly puts it, “When it comes to choosing milk products, decide what nutrients are most important to you to include — or remove. There is no single perfect product, and ‘one size does not fit all’.” True, and in my personal experience, I have found consuming plant-based milks that I make myself is the best option for my health, the planet and animals.

First, my health. As a kid, I wasn’t served milk at every meal, or even one meal for that matter. The only dairy products we had in the house were organic half n’ half, organic grass fed gee, organic butter, and sometimes organic goat cheese. That’s it. With my body not being accustomed to the amount of dairy consumed in the standard American diet, whenever I would consumed dairy, I would feel sick. Even if I ate a little organic ice cream or cheese, I would get mucus in my sinuses (I know, TMI) and my stomach would not feel great. For those reasons alone, taking dairy out of my diet was easy. I won’t lie, though… I would occasionally miss the taste of milk, especially when wanting to enjoy a bowl of cereal. That was until I found dairy-free alternatives that blew my mind. These dairy-free alternatives, all of which I will be sharing recipes for below, are just as rich, creamy and delicious. On top of that, they are loaded with health benefits. Win-win.

Next, the planet and animals. The global water footprint of animal agriculture is 2,422 billion cubic meters of water (one-fourth of the total global water footprint), 19 percent of which is related to dairy cattle. While this might not seem like a lot of water, in the U.S. alone there are currently nine million dairy cows and standard dairy operations require water to hydrate cows, clean parlor floors, walls, and milking equipment. You can only imagine how quickly these water demands add up, right? Now that’s just water. There is also the GHG emissions that come with dairy operations. According to the FAO’s report, “Greenhouse Gas Emissions From the Dairy Sector: a Life Cycle Assessment,” the global dairy sector contributes to four percent of total global anthropogenic GHG emissions. This figure includes emissions allotted to milk production, processing and transportation, and the emissions from fattening and slaughtering dairy cows. By and large, methane is the most troubling GHG produced by dairy cattle as it has the ability to trap up to 100 times more heat into the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Around 52 percent of the GHGs produced by dairy is methane. It is estimated that cows produce between 250 and 500 liters of methane a day. Looking at a single dairy factory farm with 700 cows, that is up to 350,000 liters or 325,500 pounds of methane pumped into the atmosphere every day. WTF!

Ready to make the switch to plant-based milks yet? I thought so….

The Alternative: DIY Zero Waste Vegan Milk

Below you will find my 5 go-to plant-based milks that are easy to make and even easier to consume. Keep in mind each milk will have different health benefits, so choose the milk that works best for you. The costs for sourcing each milk will vary as well, so again, make what best suites your budget.

Hemp Milk

Ingredients:
1 cups hemp seeds
2 liters of water
1 teaspoon vanilla (adjust to taste)

Method:
Soak the dates overnight.
Blend all of the ingredients together for two to three minutes. Strain through cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, or even a coffee filter. Store in the fridge and drink within 3-5 days.

Tip:
Almond milk is great for your skin, your bones, and even your mood!

Almond Milk

Ingredients:
2 cups almonds
2 liters of water
1 teaspoon vanilla (adjust to taste)

Method:
Soak the dates overnight.
Blend all of the ingredients together for two to three minutes. Strain through cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, or even a coffee filter. Store in the fridge and drink within 3-5 days.

Tip:
Almond milk is great for your skin, your bones, and even your mood!

Walnut Milk

Ingredients:
1 cup walnuts
2 liters of water
3 dates (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla (adjust to taste)

Method:
Soak the rice for two hours.
Blend all of the ingredients together.
Strain through cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, or even a coffee filter. Stays good for 3-5 days in the fridge.

Tip:
If you’re allergic to nuts, this is a great milk for you! It’s also full of vitamins.

Sunflower Seed Milk

Ingredients:
1 cup sunflower seeds
2 liters of water
3 dates (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla (adjust to taste)

Method:
Soak the seeds for 1 hour.
Blend all of the ingredients until smooth.
Strain through cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, or even a coffee filter. Stays good for two days in the fridge.

Tip:
Sunflower seeds are good for your heart and your hormones.

Oat Milk

Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
2 liters water

Method:
Thoroughly blend all of the ingredients.
Strain through cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, or even a coffee filter. Keep for 2-4 days in the refrigerator.

Tip:
Did you know that oats contain more calcium than conventional milk?! Nature is so amazing!

Remember, the milk you make is your creation, so feel free to play around! If you don’t like vanilla, for example, just leave it out. You can also substitute other sweeteners for the dates. Try stevia drops or maple syrup for different flavors.

Let me know which of these milks is your favorite, or whether you’d like a recipe for another kind of vegan milk! Hearing your feedback is always super helpful for me and lets me know what kind of videos and posts to make for you guys.

Talk soon.

Love,

Screen Shot 2019-08-24 at 4.04.41 PM

 

References:
1. Bananas 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/bananas#section1
2. Almond Milk Nutrition Benefits for the Brain, Heart & Bones https://draxe.com/almond-milk-nutrition/
3. Rice Milk Nutrition Information https://www.livestrong.com/article/135464-rice-milk-nutrition-information/
4. Pros and Cons of Rice Milk https://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/pros-and-cons-of-rice-milk.html
5. Rice Milk https://www.milksandhealth.com/rice-milk/
6. The Top 5 Healthiest Seeds by Dr. Edward https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/healthy-seeds/
7. Sunflower Seeds: Benefits, Nutrition & Recipes https://draxe.com/sunflower-seeds/
8. What Are the Benefits of Oat Milk? ttps://www.livestrong.com/article/267017-what-are-the-benefits-of-oat-milk/
9. 9 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Almonds https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-proven-benefits-of-almonds
10. Milk for Your Bones? https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/milk-for-your-bones#1
11. Calcium: What’s Best for Your Bones and Health? https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/calcium-full-story/
12. Is Milk Bad for Your Bones? https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-milk-bad-for-your-bones/

 

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Categories: snacks Tags: diy, diy nut milk, nut milk, plant-based milk, vegan milk

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Hi, I’m Marina!

I am so happy that you found my blog, Eco Goddess. On here I share zero waste living tips, gluten-free vegan (GFV) recipes, and soulful wellness inspiration.

It is my hope that in sharing my journey to living a more vibrant, ecologically conscious lifestyle with you, you will feel inspired and supported to embark on your own journey.

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One month ago @TED reached out to me inquiring abo One month ago @TED reached out to me inquiring about a holiday gift collaboration with my tiny startup @zerowastekit. They wanted @zerowastekit to be the official gift given out to each TED employee to help them kickstart their low waste lifestyle journeys.
I read the email, screamed and danced around with joy, then ran back to my computer to read the email again and make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Well, their kits arrived safely this week so I think it’s finally safe to say with confidence that 1. this isn’t all a dream 🤣 and 2. the world is changing and waking up to our global waste crisis 🙌🏼
I founded ZWK in November of 2018 with the mission to empower people with the mindset, tools, and convenience they need to reduce their everyday waste and ecological footprint. I envisioned the kit as an ethically & sustainably made take-with-you-and-go-everywhere kit to help make daily choices such as ditching plastic spoons, straws, food containers, grocery bags, and other single-use plastic products, easy and convenient. 
While there is no silver bullet solution to our global waste crisis, one thing is for sure: nothing will change unless we begin taking small steps towards change. Our throw-away society has conditioned us to make convenience-driven choices that rarely take into account the whole picture 🌎 I believe you do not have to sacrifice convenience in your lifestyle to support a more just and thriving planet. It just takes reconditioning, patience (baby steps) and some badass tools 🚯
A HUGE thank you to my loved ones for helping me every step along the way, my suppliers for being awesome, and for all of you… this beautiful community that continues to grow, inspire the masses to make the shift and fight for the future of our common home.
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pc: @southern_california_crafting 💛
#zerowastelifestyle #zerowasteliving #plasticpollutes #zerowaste #simplicity #mindbodygram #ootd #iamwellandgood #ecofriendlyliving #ecofriendly #eco #gogreen #sustainabilitymatters #sustainable #simple #fashion #wellnessjourney #beatplasticpollution #nomoreplastic
About a few months ago I had a desire in my heart About a few months ago I had a desire in my heart to book an end-of-the-year trip. Nothing big, just a little weekend getaway to celebrate 2019 and create an intentional space for transformation in 2020. This past weekend I made that desire a reality, and holy heck. I think I started a new tradition that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. 
I danced.
I explored.
I gazed at many a cloud in awe and gratitude.
I journaled.
I laughed.
I cried.
I released. 
What a gift it is to allow ourselves the space and time to do exactly what we desire. Whether it’s learning how to speak a few sentences in a different language, calling a relative you haven’t spoken to in a while, walking into a fast food joint and giving them hell for using single-use plastic straws (giving them hell politely, of course…and then giving their manager a list of alternatives), or creating an epic painting, I invite you to ask yourself what you deeply want to do before this decade comes to an end. Then, I invite you to go and do it. You won’t regret it ❤️ Happy Tuesday, friends.
Marina
Ps- here you see a bowl of zero waste buckwheat oatmeal with fresh fruit: an epic breakfast for any lover of warm lumpy soul food.
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#zerowaste #fashion #ootd #shopsecondhand #secondhand #thrift #thriftstorefinds #zerowastebadass #mindbodygram #iamwellandgood #gogreen #wellnessblogger #sustainableliving #ecofriendly #eco #simplicity #simpleliving #slowliving #travel #wanderlust
It’s finally feeling like winter here in Souther It’s finally feeling like winter here in Southern California and I’m celebrating in my secondhand faux fur jacket 🧥 Who else loves the cold seasons? ❄️ Happy Thursday, friends.
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#fashion #ootd #shopsecondhand #secondhand #thrift #thriftstorefinds #zerowastebadass #mindbodygram #iamwellandgood #wellnessblogger #ecofriendly #eco #gogreen #sustainable #simplicity #simpleliving #slowliving
Kickin’ unsustainable, unethical and hella waste Kickin’ unsustainable, unethical and hella wasteful denim production to the curb like 🙅🏽‍♀️👖
Earlier this month I introduced you to a company near and dear to my heart, @tejidosroyo. TR is a 100 year old Spanish clothing company dedicated to sustainable and ethical fashion. Well they’ve created an EPIC new denim dyeing process called Dryindigo which uses 100% less water (yes, that means no water!), 89% less chemicals, 65% less energy and ZERO water discharge. This is not just revolutionary for the fashion industry, but it is also revolutionary for planet 🌎 especially considering as a single pair of jeans uses the amount of water equivalent to what one person drinks over 7 YEARS.
To celebrate this huge win, last year Tejidos Royo donated 1 million liters of water to UNICEF 🙌 This year, they will be donating to another project who is working to take water where it’s most needed proposed by YOU! Head to my stories to learn more and VOTE on your favorite social project for @tejidosroyo to support! 
#1millionliters #DryIndigo #FabricswithValues #Sponsored #JoinTheSustainableDenimRevolution @onemillionliters
📷: @domlabrecquephoto
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#fashion #ootd #zerowaste #shopsecondhand #secondhand #thrift #thriftstorefinds #zerowastebadass #mindbodygram #zerowaste #gogreen #wellnessblogger #gogreen #sustainability #sustainableliving
Raise your hand if you’re ready to fill your bel Raise your hand if you’re ready to fill your belly with LOTS of plants tomorrow 🌱🌱 Now, to find a shirt that says SAVE TURKEYS, EAT TOFURKY 😆🤷🏽‍♀️
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📷: @domlabrecquephoto
Reasons to smile like a big dork: trees, rocks car Reasons to smile like a big dork: trees, rocks carpeted with moss of the deepest green hues, mycelium and their gorgeous mass of thin threads that link the roots of different plants and act as a flippin’ underground internet, and the whole world really. Whenever news about the current state of our planet puts me in a gloomy mood I push myself to go outside and look around for a bit. This one-on-one moment with Mama Gaia, even if it lasts for a few seconds, is enough to remind me of how precious life is and why it is worth fighting for.
#nature #naturephotography #outdooradventures #outdoors #natureporn
Greetings from New England! No, I’m not dressed Greetings from New England! No, I’m not dressed like this 😅 It’s 30 degrees here and I just landed back home to be with my family for the holidays. As I’m unpacking my things, I felt inspired to get on here and share a little bit about one of my current favorite low waste/minimal haircare tools that I brought with me. 
First, a little back story. It was sophomore year of college when I first discovered not all shampoos and conditioners are safe for the body and environment. I came home from class one day and rather than doing homework I started researching the ingredients on the back of my personal care products. What inspired this search was my journey to eating a cleaner diet 🌱 I made a goal to cut out food products that had ingredients I couldn't pronounce or didn't recognize. Then I thought, why not do the same for my personal care products that I use daily?
I was not prepared for what I found lurking in my products 😳... Ingredients linked to cancer and other health conditions such as asthma, ingredients tested on animals, ingredients toxic to wildlife and our oceans. That same day I took a trip to the closest health food store and picked up the most affordable eco/health-friendly shampoo I could find (bc broke college student lol). I didn't love how it made my hair feel, but I was happier with this selection nonetheless.
Now nearly 5 years later, I can proudly say I have found a shampoo and conditioner that don't mess up the planet and make my hair feel amazing 😹🙌🏼 This photo depicts me IRL taking a shower in a river near my SoCal home (yep, it’s still warm enough to do this) like a water nymph with my shampoo and conditioner bars from @zerowastestore. No packaging to send to the landfill/recycling, no bs ingredients messin' up my body or the earth, & I come out of each shower (especially showers in nature) feeling like a mystical being ready to save the flippin' planet 🌎✨
Have you tried out shampoo/conditioner bars yet? What has been your experience?
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photografairy: @avaah_east 
#sustainability #sustainableliving #zerowaste #zerowastelife #outdoorphotography #minimalism #zerowastemovement #vegan #plasticfree #wellness #outdooradventures
My rainy day secondhand ootd ⛈ I felt inspired t My rainy day secondhand ootd ⛈
I felt inspired to share something a little personal with you all today, and it’s about body image. Growing up in a multicultural home (Pakistani + European) my thoughts on body imagine, particularly of my own, were an utter mess.
What was accepted by one of my parent’s culture was not by the other. This bred a very confused and insecure Marina. My internal dialogue when getting ready for the day used to go something like this:
What should I wear? Oooh that looks nice. No wait, that shows too much skin. Okay how about this? Ehh, that doesn’t even feel like me or my style 🤷🏽‍♀️ This would go on for several minutes until I finally settled on something and left the house.
It wasn’t until I moved out of my childhood home that I began feeling the gift of confidence and excitement when dressing myself. Some days I’d want to dress like Mary Poppins. Other days I’d want to dress like Laura Croft from Tomb Raider. Having the freedom to choose what I wanted to wear filled me with a creativity and passion for style that I didn’t even know I had.
But there was another gift waiting for me upon moving out of my childhood home, which was the important lesson that confidence in one’s body image and self goes so much deeper than one’s outfit or fancy new hat. It’s the ooey gooey good stuff you feed yourself with daily like positive affirmations, exercise, high vibrational foods and the people you surround yourself with. I may have grown up in a confusing home where cultures clashed often (especially around fashion), but what it challenged me to do was search for beauty and happiness beyond the external form, and for that I am eternally grateful.
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#fashion #ootd #shopsecondhand #secondhand #thrift #thriftstorefinds #zerowastebadass #mindbodygram #iamwellandgood #gogreen #wellnessblogger #gogreen #sustainability #sustainableliving #sustainability #ecofriendly #eco #gogreen #sustainable #simplicity #simpleliving #slowliving #gogreen
The time is upon us, friends! The time…*dramatic The time is upon us, friends! The time…*dramatic pause* for a responsible denim revolution 🌍👖! A single pair of jeans uses the amount of water equivalent to what one person could drink over 7 YEARS. Now throw in the synthetic fertilizers used when growing the crops, the unethical conditions cotton farmers endure to maintain the crops, and the unmonitored energy usage during denim production and you’ve got yourself an unsettling look at our broken conventional denim system. 
But wait, there’s good news 😏 I am beyond excited to share with you an organization leading the change within the denim industry to a more sustainable and ethical world. Meet @tejidosroyo. They’ve created a new denim dyeing process called Dryindigo which uses 100% less water (yes, that means no water!), 89% less chemicals, 65% less energy and ZERO water discharge. To celebrate, last year Tejidos Royo donated 1 million liters of water to UNICEF 🙌 This year, they will be donating to another project who is working to take water where it’s most needed proposed by YOU! Head to my stories to learn more and VOTE on your favorite social project for @tejidosroyo to support! 
#1millionliters #DryIndigo #FabricswithValues #JoinTheSustainableDenimRevolution @onemillionliters
📷: @domlabrecquephoto
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