The NAOBF goes beyond beer tasting by striving to be the most earth-friendly beer festival in North America. In the interest of sustainability the NAOBF is working to reduce its waste stream and reduce its carbon footprint. The NAOBF uses reusable and 100% compostable cornstarch glasses made from domestically grown corn by Colorado-based Eco-Products, a zero-waste, solar-powered company. Conventional plastics not only take up landfill space, but have been linked to cancer and are made from foreign petroleum.
Onsite compost receptacles are provided at the event for the cups and food waste. All food vendors are required to use compostable flatware and plates. Electricity needs are met with a combination of biodiesel and solar generators. Volunteers wear organic cotton and hemp t-shirts, and all event signage is reusable. Vendors at the NAOBF promote sustainable living through their wares and services, and attendees are encouraged to take Tri-Met or ride their bike to the event.
NAOBF 2012 Recycling / Diversion Data
Of the 1,868 lbs. of waste generated at the 2012 event, we kept 91% from going into the landfill due to our composting and recycling efforts. This was an improvement over the 87% diversion rate in 2011. In addition, garbage decreased from 300 lbs. in 2011 to 175 lbs. in 2012.
Read the NAOBF 2012 Event Recycling Summary
Our recycling efforts were profiled in the the Oregonian read more: Master recycler Mitzi Sugar leads organic beer festival toward zero waste, June, 2012