Protect the Environment with Box O’ Wine?

If you went to college, or even if you didn’t, you’ve probably had wine out of a box. Cheap wine, served in 5 liter boxes that can easily be stacked in a fridge? Yes, there is a reason why Franzia can call themselves the world’s most popular wine.

But did you know that wine in a box is good for the environment? It turns out that boxed wine is not only good economically and environmentally, but it’s also gaining popularity in, gasp, Italy and France! Take a look at an op-ed piece in today’s New York Times:

Italy’s Agriculture Ministry announced this month that some wines that receive the government’s quality assurance label may now be sold in boxes. That’s right, Italian wine is going green, and for some connoisseurs, the sky might as well be falling.

As the Times goes on to point out, wine in a box is less of a stigma in other parts of the world. Many wines actually keep better in a box. Unless you are drinking a wine that is in the upper echelon, you are probably better off with a box. You can open a box of wine, and it will stay good for up to a month. It is only in the US that we look down on the Franzias of the wine world (except of course when we are in college, and then we are looking up at the Franzia as a friend pours the contents of the box directly down our throats).

Environmentally speaking, less packaging means more efficient shipping, and that translates into lower CO2 emissions. Since most wines come from California, those of us on the East Coast would be greatly reducing the carbon footprint of the wine we drink if we purchased the boxed variety.

Has your mouth started to water for some refreshing white zinfandel in a box yet?

Unfortunately, the market for boxed wine is poor at best. There aren't many options, especially if you want to taste your wine. If you are just interested in imbibing, I suppose that doesn’t matter as much. Until the American wine industry shifts their focus, boxes o’ wine will stay relegated to the bottom shelf.

But at least now, when you're enjoying your Franzia, you can feel comfortable knowing you’ve been environmentally responsible. So enjoy!