CHRISTOPHER OSBURN | 04.22.19
We should be taking steps to care for the planet for our children and our children’s children (and so on), every day of the year. But on Earth Day it’s even more important that we celebrate the stewardship of this marble of ours. We can do this in a variety of ways. Some are simple and others demand commitment. But as long as we strive to do something today, we’re participating in helping preserve the globe for future generations.
Sort through your recyclables, pick up trash on the side of the road, or ride your bike instead of driving. Anything and everything helps and models positive behavior. You can plant a tree, pay for someone else to plant a tree, or help save a tree. Or, if you’re like many alcohol brands out there, perhaps you’ll decide to start composting.
“This is world saving and money saving,” says Rico Dynan, bartender and Global Brand Ambassador for Absolut Vodka. “It’s world-saving because you’re keeping organic material out of landfills and money saving because you’re not spending on soil and waste disposal.”
On top of that, you’ll have a pretty nifty garden.
“Maybe you can start a community compost,” Dynan urges. “If you can’t grow anything yourself donate it to the city for the parks and rec areas to use.”
Dynan isn’t the only eco-minded member of the drinks community. In fact, some of our favorite spirits brands have earth-friendly initiatives surrounding sustainability, lowering your carbon footprint, reusing waste, conserving energy, and many other important actions. Check them out below and get motivated to take action.
Novo Fogo Cachaca
You’d be hard pressed to find a more earth-friendly distillery than Brazil’s Novo Fogo. This zero-waste, organic distillery even uses sustainability when deciding which local wood to use to age its spirits. They go so far as to ensure that all of the wood they use to make barrels is legally-harvested and not endangered. They’ve even made barrels from reclaimed wood from one of the distillery partner’s homes.
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Obviously, these are major companies striving to do great things to help the environment. But you, as an individual, can help out by making simple changes you might not even think matter in the grand scheme. Start with something easy like waste management. “Once you realize how much you’re wasting things start to become clear as to why,” says Dynan. “Then the ‘how’ is easy. Small acts make big impacts. It’s not an overnight thing.”
Sustainable Spirits: Distilleries That Are Doing Right By The Earth
UPROXX | 04.22.19
