Save and savor the planet by cracking open a cold one of these sustainable craft beers.
Did you know that the average brewery uses between three to seven gallons of water to make one gallon of beer? The environmental impacts of beer production don’t stop there. From the cultivation of crops and the energy needed to make it to its transportation footprint — your favorite lager or ale could be taking a toll on the environment.
But that doesn’t mean that you have to give up beer altogether. You can still save the planet, one pint at a time, by cracking open a can of a sustainable craft beer.
The global craft beer industry is booming. According to research firm Statista, it accounts for nearly a quarter of the total U.S. retail beer market. And it’s only projected to get bigger.
Unlike large breweries — think Heineken, Budweiser, and Coors — craft brewing companies, or microbreweries, produce smaller amounts of beer at a time. (Brewers are considered small if they produce six million barrels of beer or less per year, according to the Brewers Association. To put this into perspective, Heineken produced 186 million barrels of beer in 2020 alone.
Craft beer companies, which are usually independently owned, tend to place a higher value on the ingredients and brewing techniques used to make their batches. But just because they’re smaller, doesn’t mean that they have less of an impact on the planet.
“The larger brewers, from an environmental sustainability perspective, in general, outperform craft brewers,” explained Barry Ness, an associate professor at the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies. “They’re producing fewer product types and have very efficient systems.”
But a number of craft brewing companies (and macro breweries, too) are working to reduce their environmental footprint, from installing solar panels to reducing water consumption. And this move may produce better beer sales considering consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably brewed beer, according to a 2018 study by Indiana University.
“The takeaway for the brewing industry is that it is financially feasible to introduce energy-saving practices into the brewing process,” said Sanya Carley, lead author of the study and an associate professor of Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs “Even if it ends up adding costs, more than half of all beer consumers are willing to absorb those extra costs.”
Craft beer manufacturers can also leverage technology to keep their operating costs, improve the efficiency of their processes, and, ultimately, their impact on the environment. For example, you can boost brewery efficiency with Ollie’s platform to cut business costs, allowing you to channel part of those resources toward sustainable production.
Sustainable craft beer brands
Ready to crack open a cold one? Drink responsibly with these sustainable, vegan craft beers.
Brooklyn Brewery
This New York-based brewer is well known for its award-winning, local favorite: the Brooklyn Lager. Not a fan of alcohol? This craft beer company even has non-alcoholic varieties, including the Special Effects Hoppy Amber, which features the same “flavors, aromas, and character” of traditional beer. In 2013, Brooklyn Brewery founded its Green Team, which works to create sustainable initiatives, including using 100 percent renewable energy via wind turbines. To date, Brooklyn Brewery has planted 375 acres of trees to help offset its carbon footprint.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Another California brewer, Sierra Nevada has been churning out beer since the ‘80s. They even have a tasty selection of hard kombuchas. Committed to sustainability across its supply chain, the company invested in anaerobic digesters, which capture methane so that it can be reused, and relies on solar energy. Even more, the company is virtually waste-free, diverting 99.8 percent of its solid waste from landfills.
Eel River Brewing Company
As America’s first certified organic brewery, Eel River Brewing Company champions sustainable brewing practices. Its organic certification ensures that no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used in the ingredients. Located in Humboldt County, California, the brewery emphasizes community-focused sustainability, using renewable energy to power its facilities. Popular offerings include the Organic IPA and California Blonde Ale, crafted with a clean, earthy flavor.
Brewgooder
Founded in 2016, Brewgooder carries everything from a zesty lager to a fruity pale ale and its new citrusy, Hazy IPA. Through its mission of “Brewed on Purpose,” the B Corp certified company has funded more than 140 projects to get clean water to people in need in Malawi, Africa.
Anderson Valley Brewing Company
For more than three decades, Booneville, California-based Anderson Valley Brewing Company “has been hand-crafting authentic ales and lagers with balance, complexity, and a passion for sustainable brewing practices.” The brewer runs on 40 percent solar energy, reuses 100 percent of its wastewater, and donates spent grains and hops. Try a classic Boont Amber Ale or opt for a can of the tart and refreshing Tropical Hazy Sour Ale.
Toast Ale
Want to save the planet? Try a glass of beer made from food waste. In lieu of barley, U.K.-based Toast Ale makes its brews from leftover bread sourced from local restaurants and other businesses. This has helped the company to save more than 309,000 liters of water and 49 tons of carbon from entering the atmosphere.
Brasserie Brunehaut
This Belgian brewery is rooted in centuries-old brewing traditions while focusing on sustainable innovation. Brasserie Brunehaut produces organic, gluten-free beers, growing its own barley and wheat to ensure complete traceability. The brewery runs on solar power and utilizes an eco-friendly water treatment system. Its signature offerings include Brunehaut Bio Blonde and Brunehaut Bio Amber, both celebrated for their rich, authentic flavorsn Belgium, Brasserie Brunehaut produces 100% organic, gluten-free beers using traditional Belgian methods. The brewery grows its own barley and wheat locally and powers its production with rooftop solar arrays, reflecting its dedication to eco-friendly practices.
Young Henrys
Young Henrys in Australia incorporates cutting-edge technology to minimize its carbon emissions. Its algae-based bioreactor captures and absorbs CO₂, effectively reducing its environmental impact. The brewery also utilizes solar energy and supports local growers for its ingredients. Its flagship Newtowner Pale Ale is a local favorite, boasting a balanced, refreshing taste that reflects its commitment to sustainability.
Lakefront Brewery
Lakefront Brewery, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a certified B Corporation dedicated to environmental and social responsibility. Its commitment includes using locally sourced ingredients, such as organic hops and grains, and implementing energy-efficient brewing processes. Known for its diverse offerings, including the gluten-free New Grist, Lakefront combines creativity with a focus on sustainability.
Peak Organic Brewing Co.
Located in Maine, Peak Organic Brewing Co. works directly with local farmers to source organic barley, wheat, and hops, ensuring its ingredients meet rigorous environmental standards. The brewery’s lineup includes flavorful options like the Organic Fresh Cut Pilsner and the Hop Blanc. By prioritizing partnerships with sustainable farmers, Peak Organic supports regional agriculture and a cleaner brewing process.
Samuel Smith’s Brewery
Samuel Smith’s Brewery, located in Tadcaster, England, uses traditional brewing techniques and certified organic ingredients to craft its range of beers. Its historic brewing site relies on well water drawn from the original 1758 well. Samuel Smith’s Organic Chocolate Stout and Organic Lager are standout products, beloved for their exceptional quality and rich flavor profiles.
Looking for more options to drink responsibly? Check out Ethos’ guide to beer, wine, and spirits made from food waste.
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