My journey as a lactose-intolerant teen in Wake County, NC, is marked with a bitter-sweet dilemma. Every visit to Boba tea places like SipCha and ShareTea is tinged with frustration; I cannot savor my favorite drink because a plant-based milk option doesn't exist. If it does, an additional charge is levied, a luxury not everyone can afford. It's an issue closer to the heart than it seems - a love for bubble teas, a small joy overshadowed by a seemingly arbitrary preference for dairy milk in these venues.

But it isn't merely about individual dietary choices. It turns out that plant-based milks are simply the better choice - they are more healthy, with lower calories, lesser cholesterol, and high in vitamins. They are more ethical, as they don't involve animal cruelty. Interestingly, they are more climate-friendly too, with almond milk producing 69% less CO2 than dairy milk. As a society, would it not make sense for us to adopt a more inclusive, healthier, tastier, and climate-conscious alternative? 

Let us convey a message to these bubble tea venues. Let's urge SipCha, ShareTea, and similar establishments to make plant-based milks the default option in their menu. In doing so, we can take a small yet significant step towards healthier dietary choices, ethical consumption, and environmental sustainability. Let's rally for lactose-intolerant individuals like myself and anyone who would enjoy an inclusive boba experience. Please sign this petition and let your voice be heard. Together, we can bring about a change that benefits us all.