Energy Efficiency in the Champagne Industry

The New York Times reports that Champagne bottlers are reducing the weight and carbon footprint of the bottles used to contain their product:

The current retooling, which uses 65 fewer grams (2.3 ounces) of glass, is in response to a 2003 study of Champagne’s carbon footprint, which the industry wants to cut 25 percent by 2020, and 75 percent by 2050.

Critics complain that energy efficiency measures are being forced upon businesses and consumers. But the Champagne industry has voluntarily taken on this project, and will save money on shipping the two pound bottles. As for consumers, the new bottles will be only subtly different, and will not diminish the value of the product to the consumer.

It's hard to see how any additional cost or hardship is being imposed on anyone by this modest measure. Presumably the contents will fizz just as much and taste just as good when the 2.3 ounces of glass is reduced from the weight of the bottle.