Green Sanctuary Program
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Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship
Green Sanctuary Program |
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National Geographic's Green Guide http://www.thegreenguide.com/buying-guide/beer?source=email_gg_20081217&email=gg Organic beer is getting to be big business. In the past few years, the large national brewers Anheuser-Busch, Miller and New Belgium have all introduced organic products, joining a growing number of microbreweries offering organic beer. The next time you stock up on eco-friendly ales, here are a few things to look for. Certified Organic: When you buy organic beer, you're supporting a farm system that uses fewer pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which in turn enhances soil fertility, increases species diversity, conserves water and produces fewer greenhouse gases._"Certified Organic" beers are made with at least 95 percent organic ingredients following all the standards set by the USDA, which include standards for the chemicals used to clean breweries. Organic Hops: The USDA's National Organic Program allows nonorganic hops in organic beer, if the brewer can't get access to sufficient quantities. And because hops are important ingredients that add aroma and bitterness to beer, this has generated some debate about the "organicness" of organic beers that use nonorganic hops. If you want a 100-percent organic beer, buy from breweries that use organic hops. Distribution: As with any food product, local, organic brews reduce fossil-fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions related to shipping, and they support local businesses. Fortunately, microbreweries with organic products have become popular over the last few decades, since beer may be brewed in small vats even in confined urban spaces. Buying locally produced beer that hasn't been shipped long distances is a worthy alternative, even if the brewery doesn't sell organic beer. Brew your own organic beer. Seven Bridges Cooperative sells starter kits at $90 and up (www.breworganic.com, 800-768-4409). When throwing a party for large numbers of people, look for breweries that sell beer in kegs or growlers to reduce wasting glass bottles or aluminum cans. Beer is made primarily from barley and hops, with some wheat used to make "wheat beers." Producing these grains commercially involves petroleum-based fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, which pose threats to human health and ecosystems. Hops: Hops are sensitive crops that are highly susceptible to pests, mildew and fungi, making it difficult, though not impossible, to grow hops organically in damp and cool northern climates. Most of the world's organic hops are grown in New Zealand, with some grown on very small-scale farms in Wisconsin, the Northwest, Western Canada and England. With so few organic hops available, the USDA has allowed nonorganic hops to be used in certified organic beers. Consumer advocates argue that the USDA is simply watering down its organic standards, but other small brewers note that requiring the use of organic hops might strain an already small supply as more large companies enter the field. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Transporting beer around the world in heavy glass bottles, then refrigerating it at stores until you take it home, consumes a great deal of fossil fuel resources. Moreover, more than 10 percent of U.S. beer is imported, journeying from even farther distances to reach American consumers, and due to the small scale of organic grain and hops production in North America, fossil fuels are also required to transport these ingredients to brewers. Personal Health Issues: Unlike conventional produce, which can absorb high levels of pesticides, conventional beer hasn't been found to contain many pesticide residues. But, organic or not, beer contains high levels of alcohol that can cause cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. No clear information is available on dosage levels and harm to health, but it's still important to enjoy beer, and any other alcoholic beverage, in moderation. |
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