Today’s blog post comes from our Education Coordinator, Erika Bjorkquist, who is an expert on “green” beer
Summer is upon us! One of my favorite things to do after a long day in the sun is to relax with an ice-cold beer. And in San Diego, we are lucky to have so many award-winning microbreweries at our fingertips. But did you know that when you reach out for that Levitation IPA, you are actually helping the environment?
Stone Brewery World Bistro and Gardens just opened a new location walking distance from ILACSD’s offices. Along with bocce and movies, Stone is also on the forefront of sustainability. Sustainability has not always been a word associated with beer…until now. Many local breweries have decided that green beer isn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day. From their ingredients to their delivery trucks, Stone Brewery World Bistro and Gardens practices many forms of sustainability.
As an environmentally conscious person, I’m stoked that a local business promotes renewable energy through their use of solar panels and has a water reclamation system that prevents 30,000 gallons of wastewater from entering the sewer system each day. However, what I really care about is the food and beer. Being vegan I have become aware of what ingredients are in food and I recently discovered that not all beers are vegan – weird. I’m happy to report, according to Barnivore, Stone’s beers are vegan! Often I am frustrated by salads as the only vegan options available; Stone has a smorgasbord of vegan friendly options! They have even gone a step further through the promotion of their Meatless Monday Menu, preventing 110,448 lbs. of CO2 from being released annually. Not only am I eating a nutritious and tasty meal, but I know that it is coming from quality ingredients, since Stone Brewery also uses all-natural ingredients in their beers and local, organic produce in their restaurant. Also, they are the largest purchaser of local, organic produce in San Diego County. Talk about supporting local businesses! Some of the extra food is composted and the spent grain from brewing is repurposed.
Just writing this is making me thirsty! Haven’t visited Stone yet? No problem! Check out their sustainable practices on July 20th at I Love A Clean San Diego’s Summer Social. Support a local business and nonprofit organization! Tickets are $35 and include two craft beers (or house wine for you non-beer drinkers), food, and a commemorative pint glass. There will also be an auction and raffle that include two round-trip tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, and a week-long stay at a private vacation home in Kona, Hawaii, Bocce ball, a growler toss, and other fun games, and for kids, a visit from Papa Smurf and Smurfette, to promote their new film The Smurfs 2, “America the Bluetiful”! Take the opportunity to soak up the summer sun, mix and mingle with other eco-minded San Diegans, and experience the new Stone Brewing Liberty Station on July 20th!
