Good Brew, Good Fuel

Cleveland's popular Great Lakes Brewing Company (GLBC) consistently strives to support a “triple bottom line,” meaning that the owners Pat and Dan Conway base business decisions on economic, environmental and social responsibility. These local leaders in sustainability have been supporting the use of alternative fuels for years with their Fatty Wagon, a minibus shuttle that transports patrons to and from Cleveland Indians' home games. The Fatty Wagon runs on straight vegetable oil (SVO) which is fuel made from GLBC pub's used vegetable oil from its deep fryer.

In November 2005, GLBC modified its beer semi-delivery truck to operate on SVO, and it can now be seen driving around town sharing GLBC's environmental message (and excellent beer). GLBC reports that the modification to the truck reduces expenditures of fuel by 50 percent. SVO burns cleaner than diesel and emits the faint aroma of French fries. In addition to recycling the waste product of used pub grease, SVO is ultimately derived from the renewable resource of farm crops, thus increasing our country's energy independence. The next time you are enjoying a pint of GLBC's award-winning brew, raise your glass and toast its latest environmental initiative.