Green Wine for Ireland
In our globalised economy and lifestyle many things have changed here in Ireland. The increase in discretionary income has allowed for more frequent travel, a larger variety of exotic food and beverages on our grocery shelves, and some changes in our consumption patterns. One notable item features high on our new shopping list, wine, the Irish are now in love with the nectar of the vine.
Amid all the controversy with global warming, fuel prices, and a slumping world economy the French wine growers, Irish truckers, UK and Scottish fisherman, and others around Europe are reacting to rising costs, EU controls and dwindling profits by holding strikes, slow downs and riots. Is this a sign of the times and a preview of what is to come? Or, will we take a pro-active stance, adapt as humans are capable of, and rise to the challenges we face as we approach peak oil?
In late July a ship will quietly leave a dock in France bound for Irish shores, it’s hold will contain 12,000 bottles of wine for the thirsty Irish market, and it will be using free fuel. A three-masted schooner, the Kathleen & May, is scheduled to deliver her cargo to the Dublin port on the 25th of July. Over one hundred years old, the sailing vessel is one of many operated by the Compagnie de Transport Maritime a la Voile, and according to company executives will save nearly 5 ounces of carbon emissions per bottle.
Will we again see horse drawn wagons and a return of the canal barges in Dublin? We can only hope!
- Environment, Culture, Caoimhin, Health, Irish Culture, misc, All posts, Nature, Techie, Media and Journalism, World, Economy | Time: 12:51 pm (UTC+8)
Oooh! 12,000 bottles… I hope it doesn’t sink!
Let’s hope it doesn’t meet any Vikings en route
Comment by steph — June 29, 2008 @ 10:56 pm
Hi Steph! It looks as if sailing ships are making a comeback as cargo vessels, surely this is a cue for the Vikings to take to the high seas again!
Comment by Cao — June 30, 2008 @ 9:27 am
Will we again see horse drawn wagons and a return of the canal barges in Dublin? We can only hope!
I’ve wondered that myself.
I hope all is well over there in plucky Ireland. I see Miliband is trying to apply some pressure on the Lisbon Treaty issue. Don’t give in! We’re all behind you.
Comment by Aurora — July 2, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
Thanks Aurora!
Comment by Cao — July 2, 2008 @ 3:29 pm