Words by Smiley Team
Not everyone drinks alcohol, but for those who do, you’ll be pleased to know there are lots of companies creating drinks that also have social and environmental missions in mind.
From cider to beer and gin, we’ve found six companies that produce booze but also give back to the planet. Here’s who they are and what they do.
[Read More: These 5 companies plant trees for every product you buy]
Elephant Gin Founders, Tessa and Robin Gerlach, were inspired to create their range of premium gins following their adventures in Africa. They believe this generation has a responsibility to protect the future of African wildlife, so 15% of the profits from every bottle is donated to African elephant conservation in an effort to support the preservation of African wildlife and their magnificent habitat. Find out more.
Not only does this company support UK homegrown cider producers, for every cider box they sell on the website, they plant a tree which offsets their carbon emissions and goes to a brighter future for the planet. Their motto? Drink cider, plant trees. Find out more.
More of a gin drinker? Canaïma is an Amazonian gin dedicated to protecting its environment and the local communities within it. Canaïma donates 10% of its sales to NGOs and charities that protect the Amazon and its indigenous people, including Saving the Amazon and the Terra Viva Foundation. This year, Canaïma launched a new partnership with women foundation Fundación Casa de la Mujer del Vaupés. Find out more.
Fauna is a new craft beer brand inspired by, and created for, African wildlife. Each of Fauna’s beers is dedicated to an endangered species, partnering with three incredible small charities (the Cheetah Conservation Fund, Painted Dog Conservation and the African Pangolin Working Group) who work round-the-clock to protect animals at risk. Find out more.
Mermaid Gin works with local and national UK organisations such as the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Surfers against Sewage to offset the impact of the environment with reducing waste and preserving resources. It recently achieved 'net zero' status after two years of being plastic-free. It is investing in projects that actively protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an equivalent amount. Find out more.
The business was founded by Bill Shufelt – an ultra-marathon runner passionate about the environment and positively impacting communities. And while it's not quite booze (it's alcohol-free, but tastes like beer!), it donates 2% of its profits to its Two for the Trails programme and has brought this initiative to the UK supporting the South West Coast Path – maintaining, protecting and improving outside spaces for people to be able to use to relax, exercise and enjoy nature. Find out more.
Read more about companies that remove plastic from the ocean for every sale.
