Last week, as we celebrated World Food Day, we were thrilled to have many of you join us in person and virtually for our vital discussions on preserving water resources. We’re grateful for the support and engagement from our global Food Tank community.
While water conservation was at the forefront of our discussions, let’s not forget that water is not the only beverage that quenches our thirst. For those of us who appreciate the occasional cocktail or a fine glass of wine, we wield significant influence as consumers in shaping a more sustainable spirits industry.
It’s important to recognize that when we savor wine, beer, distilled spirits, or other fermented drinks, we are indulging in agricultural products. The grapes, grains, and other ingredients that ultimately transform into these delightful beverages, and the entire production process, bear environmental footprints that should not be underestimated.
Consider, for example, the startling fact that crafting a single liter of beer can consume more than 40 liters of water, as revealed by a study from the United Kingdom. Furthermore, an analysis from 2020 uncovered that for every liter of distilled spirit produced, the average producer was responsible for emitting approximately 1.8 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
The impact of climate change extends even to our beloved libations. A recent addition to our Food Tank book list, “Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink” by Brian Freedman, delves into the profound consequences of extreme weather events, such as wildfires, floods, and hailstorms, which now threaten grape and grain harvests.
This underscores the importance of acknowledging and supporting those who are championing environmentally responsible practices in the spirits industry. As Brian Freedman wisely asserts, “Support the producers who are supporting the planet. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of that.” In these small choices lies our capacity to foster a more sustainable and planet-friendly future for the beverage industry. Cheers to responsible consumption and the conservation of our precious natural resources!
