The Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company is making waves beyond the beer glass with their commitment to sustainability, becoming a beacon for environmental responsibility in the brewing industry. According to ABC15, the company has proudly conserved approximately 600 million gallons of water since 2019 by revamping the ingredients in its brews, highlighting their water-saving "This Beer Saves Water" IPA that utilizes drought-resilient Sinagua Barley, conserving over 50 gallons of water per pint.
Adding to the holistic nature of their quest, every Arizona Wilderness location is situated in a repurposed building, each one retrofitted with technology designed to cut back on both energy and water use. For Earth Day, the brewery invites patrons to "Drink Like You Care," a slogan meant to inspire consumers to make choices that resonate with care for the planet. The latest testament to their mission is the establishment set to open on McDowell Road in Phoenix. Not only does this location stand as a paragon of their commitment, but it also badly needs to encourage other businesses to adopt sustainable practices alongside them, an effort bolstered by Local First Arizona's free audits aimed to help reduce water and energy consumption.
In line with their environmentally friendly vibe, details at Arizona Wilderness aren't your run-of-the-mill brewpub aesthetics. As Good Beer Hunting points out, there's a conspicuous absence of single-use plastic, and the staff diligently segregates waste for composting and recycling. Patrons use bathrooms supplied with recycled toilet paper, and the majority of the food menu draws from locally sourced ingredients. Furthermore, the onset had to learn that the permeable ground beneath their feet is designed to retain rainwater, limiting runoff and promoting groundwater recharge.
In an interview with Good Beer Hunting, co-founder Jonathan Buford said, "Our focus is on saving the planet," speaking to the core values that have propelled Arizona Wilderness to craft beers while crafting a better environment. The company's dedication can also be woven into their material goods, as evident in merchandise like T-shirts made from recycled water bottles, representing their all-encompassing commitment to sustainability. Through initiatives with Sinagua Malt, a public benefit corporation, their conservation efforts have significantly reduced the use of water from the Verde River, further solidifying their position as not just a brewery, but a steward of their local environment.
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company's work to make sustainability a cornerstone of their business is a potent reminder that change, often assumed to come from legislation or multinational corporations, can also begin with local entrepreneurs and community-focused initiatives. Their model could potentially inspire other businesses looking to integrate environmental stewardship into their operation. Whether celebrating Earth Day or seeking to make everyday lifestyle choices that benefit the planet, patrons can do so with a pint from Arizona Wilderness, knowing each sip supports a grander vision for a more sustainable world.
