Green Daily

Next time you're on the beer aisle trying to find eco-friendly choice, you might consider one of Anheuser Busch's new organic offerings: Wild Hop Lager and Stone Mill Pale ale. Released just this year, they're not super-widespread just yet, but being an AB product, you can be sure that they soon will be.

You might of heard about Wild Hop when AB execs decided to use conventionally-grown hops -- as opposed to organic hops. This controversy resulted in a petition containing 20,000+ signatures asking AB to go 100% organic -- in it's "organic" beer that it named "Wild Hop." AB finally conceded to the green revolution, by the way.

Some may see Wild Hop and Stone Mill as just another of Budweiser's lame attempts to break into the microbrewery phenomenon, especially since the words "Budweiser" and "Anheuser Busch" are mysteriously absent from the label. I guess Budweiser's marketing people thought it would hurt the beers' street-cred.

Nevertheless, both Stone Mill Pale Ale and Wild Hop Lager are USDA certified organic beers and they contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. Green Valley -- the brewery that produces both beers -- actually recovers energy from its wastewater, has a heavy-duty recycling program, and backs AB's wildlife conservation areas. Anyhow, taste testers are giving them good marks. Apparently, Wild Hop is not all that hoppy though, after that whole ordeal.

Even greener: Brew your own

Worried that the brewing, bottling and transportation of your favorite beer is upping your carbon footprint? Never fear! It's surprisingly easy to brew your own beer at home -- and, assuming you're not selling it out the back door on the sly, it's totally legal!