There is a new color coming to your beer: green!

Going green is going everywhere, and in the kitchens of breweries, it has certainly taken root. In this months Michigan Beer Guide (found at nearly all micro breweries in the state) is a great article written by Brenda Cooke titled "Drink Local (and choose your container carefully). In it, Brenda points out the benefits of drinking local, recycling, the impact of cans vs. bottles, shipping, and more. Ultimately, she points out, the best eco-friendly way to enjoy your favorite brew is from the tap, at a local brewery or brew pub that is, of course, closer to home. Outside of those means, there is an environmental impact caused by energy used in packaging and distribution. It is exciting to know that in the south eastern Detroit area, one can sample 100+ varieties of beer, on tap, all within an estimated 30 mile radius of the heart of Detroit.

Outside of Brenda's article, there are many initiatives being set forth by breweries throughout the United States, that are taking green into their own hands. Sierra Nevada, just this year released their Harvest series, with all beers being made with hops grown on their property. This experience allowed Sierra Nevada to control environmental impacts immediately as needed and eliminate packaging and shipping. Locally, Bells brewery has been experimenting with growing their own hops and malts. Keweenaw Brewery and Rochester Mill Brewery distribute their brands in cans, which has a strong argument in weight and space.

What could creating the most noise in all of these initiatives is the effort Goose Island is putting forth in their responsibility to eliminate their carbon footprint when producing and distributing products. The Green Line Project is a world class effort to learn about the impact the brewery puts on the environment, how to identify and shed wasteful resources, improve efficiencies and share their observations. Ta boot, Goose Island has created an Ale in support of these efforts. Titled Green Line Pale Ale, it is only available on draft at many locations within Chicago. Proceeds from this Ale will help benefit the efforts Goose Island is taking, and, some proceeds will be donated to help the preservation of Rain Forests in Costa Rica. The tap handles specially made for this ale were constructed out of wood reclaimed from Emerald Ash trees that were devastated by the Emerald Ash Borer.

It goes without saying that we can make huge impacts everyday in our life styles that help the environment. I, for one, recycle everything. From hockey blades to bottle caps. Nearly everything that is questionable goes into my recycling bin. I have noticed the collector frustrated at times, having to sift through my two containers, but so be it. I take back all of my cans, because as my Grandfather would say, it is "free money" even though it is actually a reimbursement. When it comes to beer, I have brew my own now and again, which could be the single most cheapest and environmentally friendly consuming actions. I almost always drink Michigan made beer. Even if the ingredients to produce my pint came across many borders, the transportation to get to me isn't as much as other out of state or country imports.

So while were out there today celebrating all that is green, try to get to a local brewery or select a beer that is produced right here in Michigan. Go green (and eliminate the food coloring)!