We all know the golden rule: drink between 1.5 and 2.5 liters of water per day. With extreme heat continuing to grip France, that advice has never been more vital. But water has another major advantage—it is by far the most environmentally friendly beverage you can choose.
Still, when hosting friends for an apéro or enjoying a family snack, plain water can feel a little dull. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice the planet for flavor. From the carbon footprint of your favorite beer to the hidden water costs in a single glass of wine, here is the ultimate guide to the worst and best drinks for the environment.
Beer Is Better Than Wine (But Neither Is Great)
Let’s start with the hard truth: alcohol is not your friend during a heatwave. It dehydrates the body and carries a heavy environmental toll. However, if you must indulge, choose wisely. According to a 2010 Danish study, producing one liter of beer generates approximately 1.5 kilograms of CO2, while the same amount of wine or whisky produces a staggering 6 kilograms. That makes beer’s climate footprint four times smaller per liter than wine or spirits.
The main culprits behind wine’s high emissions are transportation—many bottles are imported—and packaging. Although glass is highly recyclable, alcohol bottles are often thick and heavy, requiring significant energy to manufacture. For a greener option, consider buying boxed wine. The cardboard container is lighter than traditional glass bottles and can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Don’t forget the astronomical amount of water required to produce alcohol. According to the Water Footprint Network, a single glass of wine uses 109 liters of water. Even a half-pint of beer consumes 75 liters. This “virtual water” includes irrigation for vineyards, grape pressing, fermentation, and brewing.
Never Add Milk to Your Coffee
Coffee remains a daily ritual for many, even in summer. But its environmental baggage is heavy, from deforestation to long-distance imports from tropical regions. If you cannot give it up, at least skip the milk. Researchers writing in The Conversation found that milk accounts for roughly two-thirds of a coffee’s total carbon footprint. The reason? Dairy cows emit large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Opting for plant-based milk significantly reduces the impact.
Not All Teas Are Equal
If you’re on team tea, the same advice applies: avoid adding milk. But the tea leaves themselves also carry environmental concerns. A February 2022 investigation by 60 Millions de consommateurs revealed that tea bags and herbal infusions—mostly cultivated in India and China—are regularly sprayed with insecticides to boost yields. Green teas were among the worst offenders, and glyphosate, a controversial pesticide, was detected in some black and green tea bags. Only certified organic infusions are guaranteed to be pesticide-free.
Sodas Are Water Guzzlers
Sodas are another beverage to avoid. Producing just one liter of soda requires an average of five liters of water. Investigative reports have shown that bottling plants, including those operated by major corporations, can deplete water resources in vulnerable regions. In a 2016 documentary, filmmaker Julie Delettre highlighted how a single plant in Chiapas, Mexico, received authorization to pump 500 million liters of water per year, leaving nearby villages without running water and drying up local wells.
For Juices, It’s All About the Fruit
So no alcohol, no coffee, no soda—what’s left? Fresh juices and smoothies can be a good option, but only if you choose the right fruit. Fruits and vegetables account for 44% of all food transported by air. The most commonly imported fruits are bananas and citrus, followed by melons and strawberries. To reduce your impact, avoid fruits that have traveled long distances and opt for local, seasonal produce instead.
In summer, you can blend a smoothie with apples, pears, and a few strawberries if they grow nearby. Homemade lemonade is another great choice if you live in a Mediterranean region where lemon trees thrive. Prioritize organic fruits and vegetables to support sustainable agriculture and limit pesticide residues on your food.
Homemade Infused Water: The Ultimate Eco-Friendly Drink
Here is the simplest, cheapest, and greenest trick to upgrade your water: add fruit to your carafe. Place a few carrot strips and apple slices with a bit of mint in a bottle, pour in water, and chill. One to two hours later, your water is naturally flavored. The recipe even works with a single cucumber slice. When it comes to protecting the planet, the best solutions are often the simplest homemade ones.
