Newly-Opened Traverse City Brewery Committed to Environmental Protection

October 14, 2013

During a recent walking tour of downtown Traverse City, I ventured into the newly-opened Workshop Brewing Company where I met owner, Peter Kirkwood.  In addition to enjoying a couple excellent brews, I was impressed by Pete’s integrated business philosophy, “nature, community and craft,” which manifests and underscores the interconnectedness of environmental, economic and social sustainability. 

Pete credits his employees for The Workshop Brewing Company’s adoption of zero waste.  “They drove zero waste, and everything we use here is recycled, composted or reused, which is obviously good for the environment, but it may also end up saving us money.”  Pete’s brews feature organic grain, much of which is purchased locally.  And his spent barley goes to a local farmer who uses it for livestock feed.  “When you buy and sell locally, it is amazing to track the economic reverberations in a community.”  Pete admits to originally viewing the locavore movement as “effete and elitist,” but now I better understand and appreciate the powerful economic ripple effect buying locally can create.”

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