Eco Christmas Drinks

Despite our reputation here at VegBox, you can rest easy - we're not about to suggest that the only way to enjoy a tipple this Christmas is by making your own potcheen!

Because fortunately for us these days there are enough ethical suppliers around that it is relatively easy to source organic and even local plonk.

We wanted to share a few inspiring choices with you, but don't forget to check out your local farmers market or to call your veg box supplier and ask them if they can deliver what you're after or else make a recommendation.

Champagne & Wine

A favourite for many when there's a celebration, you can order organic champagne and wine at the Ooffoo Marketplace, on the Natural Collection website, and from Riverford.

Beer, Ale and Cider

Samuel Smith offer a range that is British and suitable for vegans. It can be ordered from Riverford as well as from other good stockists. Sheppy's is a brand of British-produced cider also stocked by Riverford. You could try typing in "Beer", "Ale" or "Cider" into the Ooffoo search box - there are many, many local suppliers with directory listings here for you to browse. And Natural Collection stocks a vast array of organic and fairtrade lagers, ciders, beers and ales.

Soft drinks

Our FIRM favourites for the festive season are Rock's Organic Hot Ginger Cordial (pictured), which you can order from Natural Collection, and the Heron Valley Naturally Sharper Apple Juice which is available from Riverford.

We hope it goes without saying that drinking responsibly is more important than ever over the Christmas period - being home with the family sometimes means emotions run high and alcohol tends not to help in those circumstances. If you're worried about drinking for any reason, you can find useful information at www.drinkaware.co.uk, and if you're considering not drinking at all over the Christmas period and would like some support, perhaps it's time to check out Alcoholics Anonymous for information or the times and dates of local meetings.

As we tend to do a lot of visiting at this time of year, remember to agree in advance who's driving, if you have to drive, otherwise a stroll to Aunty's house (assuming she's not in the next County!) can be a great way of walking off those mince pies ;)

Finally, make sure you have plenty of space set aside somewhere, perhaps outside, for your empty bottles, cans and cartons ready for recycling, and see if you can steer clear of anything in plastic containers.

Enjoy!