Tip of the Week

Throw a Heck of a Super Bowl Party

From planting thousands of trees to donating excess food to local shelters, the NFL is doing its part to make Super Bowl 2008 a little greener. As you gather around the tube this Sunday, why not follow the NFL's lead and green up your game a bit?

• Throw a kegger! Really! For a big crowd, a keg from a local brewery is the greenest way to stock up on beer. When it comes to beer, "the keg is truly the reusable package," says Scott Smith, owner of East End Brewing Company in Pennsylvania. "Unless there is some catastrophic event that puts a hole in it, or it never makes it back to the brewery," a keg can be infinitely reused.
• For smaller groups, or to add variety, look for a brewery that offers growlers. Glass growlers hold a half-gallon of as-fresh-as-you-can-get brew and are yours to keep and reuse. Bring 'em back to the brewery for a refill whenever you're thirsty. If you live in Pennsylvania, East End Brewing Company carries $3 jugs that can be filled with four to five pints for just $10 (www.eastendbrewing.com, 412-537-2337).
• If kegs or growlers aren't available, scan the shelves for local brews that cut down on fossil fuel use during shipment, and organic beer made from barley produced without synthetic herbicides and insecticides. Check out our Beer Product Report for options in your area.
• Avoid disposable cups, plates and napkins that get used once and then tossed in the trash. Don't have enough mugs or glasses? Have your guests bring their own. When the game is over, they can take them home (and wash them).
• And encourage your guests to carpool, cutting down on fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. You might need a few designated drivers anyway.

Whether you wind up crying in your beer or toasting victory with it, nature won't be the loser.

© The Green Guide, 2008

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