The Fermentist brewery in Christchurch recently became the first in the country to earn an Enviro-Mark Solutions carboNZero certification for its Kiwi Pale Ale (RRP$8.99, 500ml). By implementing a range of sustainability practices – from installing solar panels to composting their own organic waste – the brewery has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, the balance being offset through carbon credits purchased from the Hinewai Reserve in the Banks Peninsula.

Then there’s Wellington’s Garage Project, who recently released Turbine (RRP$24.99, six pack 330ml), a hoppy sessionable pale ale, in partnership with Meridian Energy. The energy company generates power using 100 per cent renewable resources, those being sun, water and, of course, wind, a portion of which is captured by the Brooklyn wind turbine on the hills above the brewery.

Remember, by choosing local you’re helping to reduce transport emissions. Want to go one better? Bring your own refillable bottle to one of the many Liquorland stores with taps onsite and enjoy beer fresh from the keg, no packaging required.