I usually write about ways to create or consume greener beer, but it’s important to think about the other side of the equation from time to time:

If the environment is substantially damaged in any way, it’s harder to make any kind of consumables for humans — like beer. Dark times are upon us, though, in which we must occasionally consider the benefits of adding jobs in a global financial crisis against the accompanying environmental costs.

Canberra, Australia is weighing such issues right now: Should it build a pulp mill to create jobs, or will the ensuing damage to the environment, fishing, wine, beer and honey industries negate any economic stimulus?

From the Canberra Times: Read the rest of this entry »

Sierra Nevada, my go-to brewery in cases when something local and green isn’t available, is getting greener. Check out their new idea for reclaimed, treated water being used to make more beer:

Recently, Sierra Nevada applied for a waiver through the California Water Resources Board, and this spring will be using water from the company’s treatment plant to irrigate nine acres of hops on the corner of East 20th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway.

Poles are spaced evenly across the field where the climbing hop plants grow.

The irrigation system for the industrial treated water is now being installed. The water comes out clear, but not drinkable.

The hops are grown to make the locally-available Chico Estate Harvest Ale. Awesome. (Chico Estate Harvest Ale on BeerAdvocate)

Be sure to read the whole story at the Chico Enterprise-Record to see how this move is saving Sierra Nevada money, even when you factor in the pipes and construction involved.

One question for experts — is this reclaimed water something you’d consider “gray water,” even though it’s treated?

The Full Pint reports that Full Sail Brewery was just recognized for its sustainable brewing, winning the Governor’s Sustainability Award for small business in the state of Oregon.

And Oregon’s no slouch when it comes to sustainability!

Banner year for Full Sail, too — they also were recently awarded a similar sustainabilty honor by the city of Portland. Here are a couple of reasons why, but head over to The Full Pint for the rest: Read the rest of this entry »

At work, I recently linked to an op-ed someone wrote about how better mass transit would be good people who like to drink beer.

My reaction was, yeah, that’s what I’ve been saying.

Here’s a sampling from the op-ed about going green for beer’s sake: Read the rest of this entry »

While Melo-replacement Linas Kleiza helped sink the Heat last night, Dave and I gulped down a fine Allagash Trippel.

And it reminded me of an radio interview with Allagash brewmaster Jason Perkins.

He discusses the brewery’s sustainability efforts and why the industry’s lack of resources puts a strain on being green.