Some interesting factoids from a Globe and Mail story:

• Farmers spray hops with various pesticides an average of 14 times in a growing season
• One could power a TV set for 20 minutes with the electricity used to make a glass bottle. In comparison, making an aluminum beer can would take 180 minutes' worth.
• Paper-free labels are another way to reduce the eco-footprint of a bottle of beer.

"In the name of the environment (and, arguably, flavour), opt for unpasteurized, unfiltered, certified organic beer, free of preservatives and additives. ... Ultimately, supporting your local microbrewery will also drastically cut back on the amount of fossil fuels used to truck that beer to your fridge."