Inside Scoop: Spotlight on the zero-waste Oak Park Microbrew Review festival, happening Aug. 17
Oak Park Microbrew Review
Date: Saturday, Aug. 17
Time: 1-6 p.m.
Location: 100 N. Marion Street in Oak Park
Purchase tickets here
This event, held in downtown Oak Park and featuring 60+ breweries, 10 local food vendors and live music, is a zero-waste-to-landfill craft beer fest that raises funds for the environmental nonprofit Seven Generations Ahead.
Q: This event is a zero-waste-to-landfill craft beer fest, which also happens to raise funds for the environmental nonprofit, Seven Generations Ahead. Talk about what goes into the planning of an event like this.
A: To make the event zero waste, we require that all food vendors utilize compostable food-service wares, which are provided to them. Brewers are also asked not to use any materials that are not compostable or recyclable. We also provide tasting glasses that attendees can take home and reuse, and so we eliminate the tremendous volume of plastic cups that most festivals use.
To reduce waste from the festival and facilitate composting, we have Zero Waste Stations throughout the fest staffed by “sustainability rangers” — volunteers who educate attendees about recycling and composting and what to put where — and we close off any trash receptacles in the area. Lastly, in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, the festival is located a half block from the CTA green line and Metra, and more than 80 percent of our attendees join via foot, bike or public transit!
Q: As popular as summer festivals are in Chicagoland, what amount of waste is produced at them generally?
A: It depends on the size of the fest of course, but generally many festivals are using single-use plastics, plastic cups and serviceware that is not recyclable or compostable, which adds up to a lot of waste. As an example, in 2023, the festival, together with our Zero Waste Sponsor, WasteNot Compost, diverted 646 pounds of waste from landfills, which is the equivalent of 568 pounds of carbon dioxide.
In 2023, the festival, together with our Zero Waste Sponsor, WasteNot Compost, diverted 646 pounds of waste from landfills.
Q: From a beer, food and entertainment perspective, what should people expect from this year’s event?
A: More than 60 breweries, food vendors, live music and more. The Microbrew Review is the largest zero-waste craft beer fest in the Midwest! We’re grateful that the brewers and brewery owners tell us that this is their favorite event to participate in. What’s more, we have a competition called “The Iron Brewer,” which encourages breweries to bring specialty beers brewed just for this event to show off their talents.
Q: Finish this sentence: Now in its 17th year, the Oak Park Microbrew Review is sure to…
A: Make attendees ask, “Why don’t we do this more often?”
To learn more about the Microbrew Review on Saturday, Aug. 17 and the work of Seven Generations Ahead, visit www.sevengenerationsahead.org
