At first glance, you’ll likely notice Earth’s excellent beer, wine, food, atmosphere, and people. But what’s most “Mount Airy” about the place is its underlying philosophy, which is extraordinarily earth-conscious.

Nearly every aspect of their build-out involved reused materials – even if doing so meant a higher cost. And their business model is dedicated to supporting small, local, organic, sustainable producers and vendors, whenever possible, as well as minimizing their own environmental impact.

When Earth’s owners, Tom Baker and Peggy Zwerver, began working on the build-out last spring, they were showered with support from other local business owners.  So, naturally, shortly after opening in October 2008, Earth joined the Mount Airy Business Association.

“We value working together with the other business owners,” Peggy says. “It makes sense for all of us to use a common vehicle for promotion; to draw more people and new businesses into the neighborhood.” She spoke about Mt. Airy First Friday and the monthly e-update on all of MABA’s members, and she noted that she herself is beginning to get involved in promotional activities.

“We’re thrilled with the choice to be here and overwhelmed by the positive response from the neighborhood. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming. We’re here to stay.” 

Well done, Mount Airy.

Let’s continue to show Earth our support as they strive to more deeply enact their mission. Even though they’ve reduced their trash output by an entire bin in just a few months, they continue to compost as much as possible and to train the staff on what can be recycled. They even plan to start making their own soda to reduce their glass output.

Additionally, they have plans for an organic herb garden on their back patio, adding sandwiches to the menu, opening for lunch on Fridays and Sundays, hosting at least two beer promotions each month, hosting regular wine tastings, offering health benefits to the staff, and on and on.

It makes perfect sense for Earth to be here in Mount Airy and to be part of the Mount Airy Business Association. “We hope to see the neighborhood flourish,” Peggy says.

In fact, that’s why we're all in this, together.