牛奶背後的成本有多重?
以「秤重」作為比較媒介，Milky Weigh 探討牛奶背後所承載的各種環境成本，並進一步與植物奶進行對照。比較面向涵蓋溫室氣體排放、作物需求、土地用量以及優養化程度等關鍵指標，讓觀者得以從多重角度思考日常飲食背後的環境影響。此外，也藉由對比二十世紀初與現今單隻乳牛年產乳量的顯著差距，揭示工廠化畜牧業如何在追求效率的過程中，加劇對乳牛身體與生命的壓迫、傷害與剝削。
在呈現形式上，Milky Weigh 將精確的數據轉化為質感溫潤的牛奶盒積木模型，使原本抽象、難以感知的資訊化為可被觸摸與感受的物件。觀者可以親手拿取這些模型，透過重量與手感來建立身體感知與知識之間的連結。同時，搭配秤重互動與影像內容的輔助說明，觀者能逐步理解不同選擇所帶來的環境影響與生命代價。此作品試圖讓「重量」超越物理上的感受，成為道德與環境意識的具象化，引導觀者重新思考日常飲食選擇背後看不見的成本。
How Much Does Milk Weigh?
Using weighing as a comparative lens, Milky Weigh explores the environmental costs embedded in milk production and contrasts them with plant-based alternatives. The comparison indicators are greenhouse gas emissions, crop use, land use, and eutrophication. It also highlights the significant increase in yearly milk yield per cow from the early 20th century to today, revealing how industrialized animal farming, in its pursuit of efficiency, has intensified the pressure, harm, and exploitation imposed on dairy cows.
In its presentation, Milky Weigh transforms precise data into milk-carton modular block models, turning abstract information into objects that can be physically experienced. Viewers can pick up and weigh the blocks, using touch and weight to connect bodily perception with data. Combined with interactive weighing and video explanations, Milky Weigh guides viewers to understand the environmental impacts and ethical costs behind different choices.
