Organic and Socially Responsible

I wanted to take a minute to explain a few things about those two aspects of my brewing beliefs.
First of all, organic: This is getting easier to do because Northern Brewer is selling more organic brewing ingredients and even has several organic kits. I use organic malts and grains most of the time when I brew. I also try to use organic ingredients as well, for example my upcoming Northwoods Ale was brewed with organic wild rice and organic maple syrup. Hops are a bit harder to come by, but I try to use organic hops as much as possible. The USDA actually considers organic to be 95% of the materials used, so I can get by using non-organic hops if need be.

The socially responsible is a little harder to achieve from a homebrew setting. But there are ways....first of all I think all homebrewers are great about reusing materials like bottles and limiting waste. I reuse my bottles and my friends have been good about saving the bottles I give them to return once they drink the beer. Water is a big part of brewing, and I'm trying to find ways to recycle water that I use. Other than that, its about an attitude I think. I support local breweries, I buy craft beers, and I use as many organic and fair trade ingredients as possible. My upcoming Morris Park Mocha Porter is 100% organic, including the priming sugar, and is going to include 4 oz of fair-trade organic Peace Coffee.
So...just some thoughts...
Drink responsibly...by that I mean support your local craft brewers and other craft breweries, its worth the extra money. Buy organic beer as much as possible, the higher the demand, the more options for organic brews we will have.
-The Bearded Brewer