The Christmas season is a time for celebration, gatherings with loved ones, and indulging in delicious food and drinks. However, Yuletide can also have a negative impact on the environment due to excessive waste and consumption.
This year, why not make a conscious effort to reduce your carbon footprint and opt for eco-friendly booze options?
Here are some tips for incorporating sustainable and environmentally friendly choices into your Christmas drinks menu.
Choose Organic Wines & Spirits
When it comes to wine and spirits, opt for the organic options.
This is alcohol produced without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, making it better for both you and the environment. Look for certifications such as USDA Organic or EU Organic on the label to ensure that the product is truly organic.
Support Local Breweries & Distilleries
Reduce your carbon footprint by supporting local breweries and distilleries.
Not only will you be reducing the emissions associated with importing drinks from far away, but you’ll also be supporting small, local businesses. Plus, these drinks often have a unique flavour that can’t be found in mass-produced counterparts.
Say No to Single-Use Plastics
When serving drinks, avoid using single-use plastics such as straws, stirrers, and plastic cups.
These items are not only harmful to the environment but can also take hundreds of years to decompose. Instead, opt for reusable or biodegradable alternatives such as bamboo or stainless steel straws and compostable cups.
Try Seasonal Ingredients
Get creative with your drinks menu by using seasonal and sustainable ingredients.
This not only supports local farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with importing out-of-season produce. Plus, fresh and natural ingredients usually come with much fresher flavours!
Sustainable Liquor Brands
When choosing sustainable alcohol, it’s worth checking out a few brands that are making strides in eco-friendly production. Here are a few revolutionising the industry:
- Toast Ale brews their beer using surplus bread that would otherwise go to waste.
- Prairie Organic Spirits is committed to organic farming and donates 1% of sales towards helping more farmers go organic.
- FAIR is the world’s first and unique Fairtrade-certified spirits brand. They take pride in respecting more than 200 rules to ensure fair trade and sustainable development. Their focus is on high-quality products sourced ethically and sustainably.
- Pernod Ricard is a French company that produces distilled beverages. They are committed to promoting responsible drinking and have implemented a sustainability and responsibility roadmap towards 2030.
- Monkey 47 is a German gin brand that is dedicated to preserving biodiversity and supports sustainable farming practices. They work with regional producers and foresters to source their 47 unique botanicals.
- Bodegas Torres, a family-owned Spanish wine and brandy company, is dedicated to environmental conservation and has several initiatives in place to reduce CO2 emissions.
- Åhus Akvavit is a Swedish spirit brand that produces their beverages using 100% organic grains and ensures that all parts of the raw product are used, emphasising minimal waste in production.
Organic Wines
Organic wines are crafted from grapes grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers.
By choosing organic wines, you support vineyards that prioritise biodiversity, soil health, and the well-being of both workers and consumers. Not only are organic wines better for the environment, but they also offer a delightful range of flavours to suit every palate.
Craft Beers from Sustainable Breweries
Craft breweries are at the forefront of the sustainable beer movement.
Many breweries prioritise locally sourced ingredients, implement energy-efficient brewing processes, and support community initiatives. By opting for craft beers from sustainable breweries, you can enjoy unique flavours while supporting a more sustainable beer industry.
Spirits from Renewable Distilleries
Some distilleries are leading the way in sustainable spirits production by utilising renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power. By choosing these spirits, you contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and support innovative approaches to eco-friendly distilling.
Tips For Picking More Sustainable Drinks
Making sustainable choices while enjoying your favourite tipples is easier than you might think. Consider these tricks when selecting your next drink:
- Look for organic or biodynamic certifications. Labels such as “Certified Organic” or “Biodynamic” ensure that the product meets strict standards for environmental sustainability.
- Check if the brewery or distillery uses renewable energy sources. Many eco-friendly alcohol producers prioritise renewable energy sources, reducing their carbon footprint and promoting a cleaner future.
- Consider brands that use recycled packaging. Look for brands that utilise recycled or recyclable materials for their packaging to minimise waste and support the circular economy.
- Minimise transportation carbon footprint. Opt for locally produced beverages to reduce the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation.
- Support local breweries and distilleries. By choosing locally made drinks, you support your community, reduce transportation distances, and contribute to a more sustainable local economy.
So, whether it’s wines, craft beers, or spirits, there’s a wide array of delicious options available to suit every taste. Cheers to sustainable sipping!
