If you ask me (and nobody has), this is an overwhelming time to be in the LOHAS business. Who ever thought our culture would be at a point when Clorox would buy a company like Burt’s Bees? And, how about Coca-Cola buying a big chunk of Honest Tea with a complete buyout plan further along? Philips has the Eco-TV and CFLs; GE has the “Change a Light, Change the World” campaign; BP has the “Green” program focusing on solar, wind, biofuels, CO2 offsets, etc. The list goes on … and on.
All this green is not even the tip of the verdant iceburg. It has to be difficult for conscious consumers to sort this corporate salad into palatable parts. How are we supposed to know what is “green washing” and what are honest, environmentally and corporately responsible missions to improve the condition of our planet? Who has the spin and who has the spine?
One solution rests in the luxury of living in and sharing our dollars in our great city. Chicagoland offers a variety of savvy new and established businesses whose foundation is truly eco-responsible. Locally, we can support that in which we believe. Luckily, I am in the loop when it comes to conscious retail and consumer goods on a local level. Here are some of my favorite recent picks:
Little Green Baby (4654 N. Rockwell, Chicago) is opening in April. The founder, Kim Gayeski, will provide children, moms and families with environmentally safe products that include organic clothing, non-toxic certified toys, natural baby products, eco-friendly cleaning supplies and many more Earth-friendly items for little ones and families to enjoy.
Green Home Experts (823 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL) opened in mid-February. The owner, Maria Onesto Moran, has the total home store concept dipped entirely in green philosophy. The store serves up everything from no-VOC paint, recycled flooring and countertops to organic and non-toxic baby needs and infant furniture.
Greenmaker Building Supply (2500 N. Pulaski, Chicago) opened in September 2005 by founders, Ori J. Sivan and Joe Silver. They offer energy intelligent, environmentally sensitive and healthy building materials for wholesale and retail buyers. They are committed to redefining the concept of value in the construction and remodeling industries by providing smart, energy efficient and healthy alternatives to conventional building materials.
Healthy Green Goods (702 Main St., Evanston, IL) opened early in 2006. Owner Dr. Marny Turvill offers everything to replace all the toxic stuff in your personal space. Mattresses and bedding, cleaning products, lighting, personal care, clothing, etc., are in the line-up. And, you can purchase books on “how-to” and “why” in the carefully selected retail book section.
As usual, I have more to say than I have space to say it. One last bit: To stay locally optimistic and informed, you can also visit the Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance website at csba.foresightdesign.org. Keep your ears and eyes open for new businesses that fill the green bill. Let us know who they are so we can share the experience with other conscious consumers.
— Richard McGinnis