The Most Sustainable Ways to Drink Alcohol

If you think about the the production process, packaging, transportation, and waste disposal there is a lot that goes into creating the alcohol we consume and ways to consume more sustainably:

1. Choose environmentally friendly brands : Look for labels that indicate organic or biodynamic farming practices and eco-friendly packaging. Drink organic wines or sustainable certified wines. Conventional wines use a lot of pesticides. Organic winery’s maintain healthy soil (also no added sulfites and reduced sugar = less hangover!) Sustainable certified wineries conserve water and energy, maintain air quality.

   
   

2. Drink locally produced alcohol : Reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports local businesses.

   
   

3. Choose drinks with minimal packaging : Avoid single-use packaging, such as plastic cups, bottles, or straws. Opt for beverages with reusable or recyclable packaging, such as aluminum or glass bottles.

   
   

4. Choose can over bottle when possible : Glass bottles are heavy & therefore carry a bigger carbon footprint.

   
   

5. Proper disposal of empty bottles and cans : Ensure that you dispose of empty bottles and cans properly, by recycling them appropriately, and prevent them from ending up in landfills or oceans.

In the spirit of transparency, I admit, I am a real sucker for a French and European wines, which means they traveled far. I do love and cherish them and purchase locally as often as possible. Additionally, European wine regions, particularly those with long-standing winemaking traditions, often have stricter regulations and historical practices that can contribute to a lower overall pesticide usage and a more natural process. The European Union has implemented regulations regarding pesticide residues in wine, and some countries within the EU have further specific guidelines and regulations for wine production.