While extensive research highlights the environmental impact of our food choices, beverages have often been overlooked. Recent studies by Milieucentraal quantify the climate footprint of popular drinks, empowering us to make informed, sustainable decisions. Drawing on this authoritative research, here are practical, evidence-based tips to reduce your drinks' environmental impact—organized by beverage type.
Water:
- Opt for tap water over bottled to minimize plastic waste and production emissions.
- If using bottled water, reuse your bottle and recycle it separately when discarding.
Tea:
- Brew only the amount you need—avoid boiling excess water.
- For regular tea drinkers, choose options with minimal packaging.
- When using loose-leaf tea, measure according to pot size and rinse the infuser with cold water, not under hot running water.
- Avoid rinsing leaves down the drain.
- Dispose of tea bags in residual waste due to their plastic content.
Coffee:
- Brew only what you'll drink immediately.
- Turn off equipment promptly; transfer leftovers to a thermos if needed.
- Reduce milk usage per cup.
- Choose plant-based alternatives over cow's milk for lower emissions.
- Select coffee with minimal packaging if you drink it often.
- Compost used filters and grounds in organic waste; dispose of Senseo pads and coffee pods as residual waste.
- Never rinse grounds down the sink—they clog pipes.
- For occasional guests needing milk, use evaporated milk in a single cup to avoid waste from larger containers.
- Use refillable cups, rinsing with cold water. For disposable ones, return via brand systems or treat as residual waste—even if labeled compostable.
Dairy and Dairy Substitutes:
- Consume only what's recommended—consult the Nutrition Center's Wheel of Five for guidance.
- Buy exact amounts needed (nearly a quarter of dairy at home goes to waste).
- Plant-based options have lower climate impact than dairy (though less nutritionally equivalent). Prioritize those with ≥20% energy from protein, ≥80 mg calcium/100g, ≥0.24 mcg vitamin B12/100g, and <6g sugar/100g.
Juice:
- Prefer carton packaging over non-deposit glass bottles (PET bottles fall in between climatically).
- Recycle packaging separately.
- Make smoothies at home to cut dairy use (if already sufficient) and follow Milieucentraal's Vegetable and Fruit Calendar for low-impact produce.
- Health experts advise limiting juice intake.
Soda:
- Buy to match consumption—deposit PET bulk packs are efficient, but small sizes prevent waste.
- Recycle packaging separately.
- Limit intake for health reasons.
Beer:
- Choose Western European lagers in returnable bottles.
- Prefer lager over specialty beers.
- Recycle packaging separately.
- Drink in moderation for health.
Wine:
- Opt for bag-in-box if you'll finish the volume to avoid waste.
- Store opened bottles vacuum-sealed in the fridge to extend freshness.
- Recycle glass bottles separately.
- Consume sparingly for health benefits.
- Note: Climate impacts vary widely within types, so no clear winner between white/red, conventional/organic.
