Drink Local: Exploring the Environmental Benefits of the Craft Beer Industry

• In Event: White Collar and Organized Crime: The Framing and Boundaries of Deviance

Abstract

According to the Brewers Association, there are nearly 5,000 breweries in the United States, which generate over $105 billion dollars per year. Analysts predict that the U.S. beer industry will continue to grow due to the high demand for beer. Unfortunately, several large-scale breweries (i.e. D.G. Yuengling and Son Inc., Coors Brewing Company, and Molson Coors) have been found to be engaging in environmental crimes such illegal dumping. Recognizing the environmental harms that are being caused among large-scale breweries, many small craft-beer breweries have taken steps to become more environmental friendly than their large-scale counterparts. For example, Yards Brewery in Philadelphia relies on wind power to operate their beer manufacturing operations. Other breweries rely on rain water, rather than obtaining water from local treatment facilities. Despite these environmentally friendly initiatives, little is known about positive impact that small scale craft-beer breweries have on the environment. Under the theoretical framework of green criminology, this research project seeks to answer the research question, “to what extent, if any, does the small scale-craft beer industry benefit the environment?” Additionally, this study could shed light on “good green” practices that could reduce environmental damage in other industries (i.e. food processing, textiles etc.).

Authors

• Favian Guertin-Martin, Arcadia University

• Andrew Danyew, Arcadia University