Green Holiday Guide: Interviewing Green Business Owners

Interview with Ellen Sternweiler, Owner of Bellybum Boutique, and mother of three.

RM: Ellen, tell me about Bellybum Boutique.

ES: Bellybum Boutique opened in February, 2009. We are an eco-conscious store devoted primarily to Mama Bellies and Baby Butts (specializing in Maternal Transition, Nursing and Children's Wear; Cloth Diapers; Gear & Accessories) and the pre-and-postnatal and parenting resource and education center.

RM: What sorts of products and services do you offer at your boutique?

ES: Overall, we offer healthy lifestyle choices and education—fostering moms (pre and post natal) and parents to make informed decisions for themselves and their families. All of our bath and body products, most of our children's wear, and as much of our mommy wear and parent gear are all-natural, organic or eco-friendly products. I also go out of my way to carry as many locally produced products as possible, as well as supporting other small businesses, work at home moms and globally conscious companies.

RM: What has been your biggest challenge in running your boutique?

ES: The economy has been the biggest factor since I opened. Opening in the middle of a recession was not exactly part of my business plan. The whole thing is a constant learning experience. Every day brings new challenges and rewards.

RM: What is the main goal of Bellybum Boutique?

ES:To help moms feel good about themselves and provide much needed resources and support to those that face challenges before, during and after their pregnancies. As well, I want to empower parents in our community—through education and knowledge. I want to encourage them to make healthy choices for themselves and their families—while providing a place where they are respected for the choices that they make.

RM: What's next for you and Bellybum Boutique?

ES: A more robust support network for families with children with developmental differences. We are also introducing our new "swop and stock" night—a once-a-month, shopping night where parents can bring in their old cloth diapers to trade or donate for a discount. Used diapers will be donated to a shelter for pregnant, at risk, youths, where we will be doing cloth diapering education.

Thanks Ellen!

Bellybum Boutique is located in Chicago's Northcenter neighborhood at 4347 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60618. They are open Wednesday through Monday. Check online for details regarding hours and the many wonderful programs and resources offered at this eco boutique.

Ellen Sternweiler grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and now lives in Lincoln Square with her husband, 3 kids (Jonah 6, Elijah 5 & Hannah 2) and their Chocolate Lab (Mazy). When she isn't helping other families, she likes to spend time with her own.

Organic Cotton Production is Growing!

The world is growing more organic cotton. That's great news and that is one of our most important goals at RECYCLE ME: to increase the production of organic cotton through consumer purchasing power.

The most current statistics show that for 2007-2008 organic cotton growth increased 152 percent. And while this number may reflect better reporting, there can be no doubt it's increasing.

Organic Cotton is grown in 22 countries, including India, Turkey, Syria, China, Tanzania, and the United States. The U.S. produced approximately 2.1 percent of Organic Cotton (OC) grown in 2007. And the U.S. projects a 29 percent increase for the following year. India now produces the most OC, increasing it's production by 292 percent.

Organic cotton uses half the amount of water as conventional cotton, and is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world and uses 25% of the worlds insecticides. This intensive chemical use is not only terrible for the environment but for all the workers involved in production. The World Health Organization estimates that over 20,000 cotton workers die annualy from exposure.

It is important to support your Organic Cotton farmer's, their workers, your environment, and yourself. Look for and ask for Organic Cotton products wherever you shop.