Craft brewing is a growing industry. As of last year, there were nearly 2,400 brewpubs, microbreweries, and regional craft breweries operating in the United States.
And now, the Natural Resources Defense Council is harnessing the industry’s voice to advocate for clean water. Earlier this year, the NRDC partnered with two dozen respected craft brewers to launch the Brewers for Clean Water Campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to support the Clean Water Act and advocate for regulations to protect our drinking water.
Brewers advocating for clean water makes sense when you consider that beer is nearly 90 percent water. In fact, much of the distinct taste of beers like pilsners or India Pale Ales comes from the properties of the water where those beers originate. Brewers often seek out similar water – or add minerals to mimic it – when making their product. But of course, all good beer must start with clean water.
In addition to having strong community ties and a commitment to strengthening the Clean Water Act, all of the breweries that signed onto the NRDC’s campaign have also embraced sustainable operations.
The group is currently encouraging President Obama to protect headwater streams and wetlands by finalizing guidelines proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers. Safeguarding our nation’s streams and wetlands from sewage, agricultural waste, oil spills, and other pollutants is vital to maintaining clean drinking water – for breweries and for the public.
Learn more by visiting the NRDC’s website, or entering the words “Brewers for Clean Water” in your internet search engine.
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Web Links
Beer Brewers Tap Growing Economic Clout to Fight for Clean Water
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=beer-brewers-for-clean-water
The Clean Water Pledge
http://www.nrdc.org/water/brewers-for-clean-water/
Photo, taken on July 22, 2009, courtesy of Cambridge Brewing Co. via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY.