Drink eco-friendly wine
Why This is Green
You just want a glass of wine, but hang on. Before you sip, there are a few things to consider for you and the environment: farming practices, how the wine is made, and the impact of transporting the resulting bottles. Your taste buds will thank you; some of the most delicious wines are all natural.
First up, you want to reduce chemical pesticide and fertilizer exposure--for you, the earth, and the winemaker. Organic is one option; for a wine to sport a USDA Certified Organic seal it must be made from organically grown grapes and not have any added sulfites. Many winemakers feel sulfites are critical to winemaking, so they forgo the seal, and make wines with certified organic grapes and added sulfites. There are also winemakers who follow organic or even biodynamic practices, but aren’t certified due to cost or other complexities. These are all good choices.
Next, consider how that bottle gets to you. Transporting wine consumes significant energy. According to a 2007 study called "Red, White and Green," the global gas emissions from wine production and distribution were 5,336,600 tons, which is equivalent to the emissions of roughly 1,000,000 passenger vehicles over a year. If there is good un- or low-sprayed wine made near you, drink it.
Learn More
How To
Buy from small, organic or biodynamic, local wineries. Taste and ask questions about growing and producing practices.
Seek out wine shops with knowledgeable staff interested in small production natural vineyards. Ask questions about the winemakers and their growing procedures to find eco-friendliest wines.
Cheers.
