Alison Manes and Melissa Morgan are the founders of Go Green Sustainable Industries, LLC, where they create products and run their business with respect for their families, communities, and the environment. Their most popular brand is the LolliDoo(tm) cloth diaper line. If you know anyone with an infant or expecting, you should share this information. The LolliDoo(tm) diaper is amazing! I recently talked with Alison about their company and great cloth diaper line.

RM: Alison, please tell us about your most popular brand, the LolliDoo Diaper line.

AM: LolliDoo Diapers are recycled-recyclable-reusable one size and certified organic cloth diapers that can be used over and over again, even as your baby grows. They are machine washable and wash beautifully in cold water. We also manufacture and make all the components in the USA.

RM: How did Go Green Sustainable Industries (GGSI) come up with this idea?

AM: I cloth diapered my children. My family owned a women’s gym for a few years and I brought my babies to work with me. The women were fascinated with the modern cloth diaper and I was asked at least a few times a day where they could buy them. My only answer at the time was to Google them. That planted the seed in my head to mainstream cloth diapers.

RM: So Alison, what are some of your goals with this great brand?

AM: We want to increase the use of cloth diapers and other reusable products, keeping toxic disposable items out of landfills and off our bodies.

Manufacturing products in the USA supports our local economy by providing jobs, which support families and generates domestic spending. Buying domestic also reduces the environmental impact by eliminating energy to ship goods internationally.

RM: Where can people buy LolliDoo Diapers?

AM: http://lollidoo.com/findRetailers.html

RM: Tell us what your working on now, because I know you are full of great, green ideas!

AM: We have several projects in the works including LolliDoo Duds, organic and recycled children’s apparel, and LadyDoo Rags, which include women’s personal care items.

Thanks Alison! I’m sorry I missed LolliDoo Diapers with my kids, but I’m sure we will be trying your other products soon.

Alison met Melissa in 2004 in an online attachment parenting community where they shared a desire for healthy homes and lifestyles, choosing products and practices for their families with regard to the impact on the environment. LolliDoo won the Parent Tested Parent Approved GREEN Seal of Approval award and the EMC Eco-Baby Seal of Approval. To learn more please visit them online.

Green Genes: Inspiring Litte Green Babes to Grow into Eco-conscious Consumers

Highlighting Green Businesses - looking forward to the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day

Heather Munster and Christina Ispurduli are co-owners of Green Genes, an environmentally responsible children's boutique located in Andersonville (Chicago). Not only do they sell great eco friendly products, their store incorporates vintage and repurposed fixtures and sustainable and salvaged construction materials. They also reuse so much of their stuff, they typically throw out only one bag of garbage a month! Truly an inspiring business.

I met Heather last year at a local farmer's market. Recently I spoke with Heather about her inspiring store and their upcoming anniversary.

RM: Heather, how did you and Christina decide to open Green Genes?

HM: Christina and I were thinking about starting a business. At the same time we we started seriously recycling and were shocked by how much less waste we had. We knew retail, and we knew kids. We thought small changes can add up to a big deal. So we decided to open Green Genes and help raise awareness from the very beginning of a person's life, then being "green" would become second nature and ideally part of their genetic makeup....green genes!

RM: What do you hope to achieve at your store?

HM: We want people to realize the importance of small changes. It's great to consume less, but there are necessities and we hope to provide an eco friendly alternative. We also hope to educate our customers as well. Someone recently asked "What's the deal with all this organic stuff?" That was the perfect chance to explain about the quality of the cotton as well as the chemical impact on the environment and the workers. We want people to know that it goes deeper and has a broader impact than the item they may see in front of them.

RM: Is Green Genes doing anything special for Earth Day this year?

HM: We are happily celebrating our 2nd Anniversary in conjunction with Earth Day, over the weekend of April 10th - 11th. We will have music, storytelling, eco-craft projects, and more. You can stay up to date with us on Facebook.

RM: Heather, thank you for your time. It's always a fun experience when we stop in Green Genes.

Green Genes is an organic and eco friendly store for kids and babies with an assortment of gift and household items for adults. They stock items that meet their criteria of being eco friendly through sustainable or local production, and organic, repurposed, or recycled materials. They are located at 5111 N. Clark Street, Chicago. Heather and Christina live in Andersonville, walking distance from work, with their three felines. When they do have a moment off they often fill it with artistic endeavors, which isn't surprising since their store is so full of creativity.

Drew's Eatery: Eco Knowledge Month

Can't wait for Spring? Get yourself ready for a happier, healthier Spring at Drew's Eatery, your source for local, organic, sustainable and naturally delicious food. Drew's is hosting Eco Knowledge Month to help you learn more about what to eat, what you wear, and how to live a healthier life!

March 12th is Vegan Night from 7PM - 9PM which includes Drewlicious food at a discount, free music, and Chicago Soy Dairy will be offering samples! Vegans and Meat lovers have plenty of choices and can be satisfied in one place.

March 15th is Lunch and Learn with Pro-Holistic Institute. Have a free lunch and learn from Dr. Rae Bouvin about how stress affects the body and what you can do to feel better and enjoy life more. Please rsvp, space is limited 773 279 9344.

March 19th is Know What you Wear with Recycle Me from 7pm - 9pm. Recycle Me will be sharing information about the quality of your clothing and answering questions. Did you know only 1% of cotton is grown organically? The rest is heavily sprayed! Clothing will be available at a discount and Drew's food and special drinks will be available.

ALL MONTH Live Green Membership Drive. Stop in and learn more about Live Green Chicago and the benefits you can receive by becoming a member.