How to shop for eco-friendly wine

When shopping for wine, don’t just consider the taste of what you’re getting, consider the package the wine comes in. Do Your Part to make the choice which will have the least impact on the planet.

You can find bottles, boxes, and even tetra paks at most grocery stores now. But figuring out which one is the greener choice is a little tricky and here’s why: The classic bottle of wine is 100% recyclable and can be made into new bottles over and over again. Even the cork is recyclable. But because a wine bottle is so heavy, it takes more fuel, and creates more pollution to arrive at your table.

And these days, more and more people are buying their favorite vino in a box. And there are a lot of green reasons to go this route. They usually contain 4 glass bottles worth of wine but weigh two thirds less! The cardboard box itself recyclable but the plastic spout and pouch inside may not be recyclable where you live.

Then there are tetra paks which are basically a grown-up’s juice box. They weigh a whole lot less than bottles or boxes and take less energy to make. But, because they are made with paper, plastic, and aluminum, they are not accepted from many curbside recycling bins.

But the clear winner is always supporting local wineries — regardless of the packaging.

And if you really want to cut back on the resources it takes to get your bottle to a grocery store, look up local wineries close to you. There are many in most every state.

So. here’s the bottom line, there’s no clear winner on wine packaging. But by seeking out local wine, you’ll be supporting your economy and reducing the environmental impact of your next glass of wine.

So Do Your Part to make the right wine decision — one that you’ll enjoy and that won’t hurt the planet.