More on the decisions that go into making your beer tonight as I noticed this story just now about a brewery that is simply not playing up its wonderfully eco-friendly ways on its own website, Barrington Brewery of Great Barrington, Massachusetts:
"The first thing that we looked at as far as building green was the solar hot water system," said Barrington Brewery Co-Owner Andrew Mankin. It's the reason they're now making Solar Brewed Beer. A $55,000 solar panel was installed on the roof to save energy...And they've done more than just brew solar beer. The carpeting is made from recycled plastic. The bar came from reclaimed chestnut. It's a big investment, but worth the risk. "In the long run it's certainly going to pay off. Initially it's a big investment, but in the long run it pays off for everyone. The business, the environment," said Barrington Brewery Manager Susan Jurgenson.One of best arguments for eco-friendly business habits is just that - it saves cash in the long term, freeing up money for things like health care for their workers - one very important cost input and another sort of good value in craft brewing.
Comments
Paul of Kingston - December 21, 2007 2:40 pm
I think all corporate endeavors should make comment on their corporate social responsibility efforts. Consumers want to make choices that are aligned with their own values in this regard and information is needed.
I believe I recall hearing of how our own Church-Key Brewing Company was using bio-diesel to run their shop - an excellent way to reduce the carbon footprint of their fine fluids. We need to know!
Travis - December 21, 2007 4:17 pm
This is great. I love that they are investing in the future because that can't be stressed enough. With Eco-friendly practices there needs to be a fundamental savings or sales benefit to the company. From the company or brewer, there needs to be patience for the investment to pay itself off and begin showing dividends.
Cheers to these guys!