What's Around the Corner?

I usually don't like to think about the new school year until about 24 hours before it starts, as my children are usually the first to go back - well before Labor Day - in the sweltering, humid days of August in Chicago.

But I've been thinking about the next school year for weeks now, for a few reasons, but  mostly because I am determined this will be the greenest school year ever, not only for my family, but also for our school.

When my children started attending elementary school there was no Earth Day celebration and every once in a while someone would ask me, "what are you planning for Earth Day?" Of course, as a Green Business Owner that's usually my busiest time of year and I am no where near the school or available.

However, this past year we held our first Earth Day Celebration with the help of the 7th grade science class. It was a great event and I was really honored to work with and talk with all the students.

This year I am determined to have multiple events. And as these events take planning, I am thinking about them and about school.

I think the following events are great learning opportunities for children, and I thought I would share them with you as maybe you don't know about these special days and would at least want them on your calendar, so you can attend an event or plan one yourself!

Green Halloween (Sept/Oct)
Food Day (October 24)
America Recycles Day (November 15)
World Water Day (March 22)
Earth Day (April 22)

Beyond these events, I'm also interested in having a green school year. That inspired me to write a small article for the August issue of Mindful Metropolis on some simple ways to have a greener school year.

Do you know any other events everyone should know about? Please leave them in the comments.

Thanks for caring about the environment and each other!

Get some Green on your Roof!

Want to get more out of your space? Rooftopia, Chicago's full service Rooftop Gardening and Landscaping company, wants to show you how to do that and more with your rooftop.

Owners and operators Jenn Lassa and  Marcin Matlakowski started Rooftopia in 2009. They are both passionate about the environment, love working outdoors and are motivated by the green revolution. Jenn says, "It was a natural progression that we take our skills and energy to the next level to achieve the most we can with our own business and inspire others to do the same."

Jenn is a Horticulturalist and Designer and Marcin is a Construction Expert and Designer. They work together year round to create the perfect garden design for your space, no matter how big or small.

Rooftop gardens have their own unique challenges, but many rewards. Initially the structural soundness of the roof and building has to be assessed. Jenn and Marcin will work with you from assessment, design, installation and maintenance. They won't leave you hanging!

What can you do with a rooftop space?

• planter boxes - vegetable or native plant gardens
• water features - collect water and reduce run-off
• shade structures - help reduce "urban heat islands"
• vertical green walls - provide beauty
• patios, balconies, terrace - create additional recreational space

By creating a roof top garden you open up additional space to enjoy the outdoors, increase your buildings energy efficiency, reduce CO2, create habitat for beneficial insects and birds and prolong the life of your roof by 30 - 50 years.

Jenn frequently speaks on container gardens, raised beds and composting with worms. She will be teaching a 2 hour workshop on container/rooftop gardens at the Infinity Foundation on June 21st. "Our goal is to make under-utilized rooftops a place of inspiration for everyone," says Jenn.

For more information on turning your unused rooftop space into a an inspiration you can contact Rooftopia at 773-398-9486 or email info@rooftopia.com. You can learn more about Rooftopia at www.rooftopia.com.

 

 

Alexandra Gnoske is an Environmental Expert. She is the Author/Illustrator of "Loui Saves the Earth" and Founder of RECYCLE ME.

FIRST PUBLISHED IN MINDFUL METROPOLIS MINDFUL BUSINESS MATTERS BLOG 5/24/2011.

Memorial Day Events: How to Be a Superhero for Planet Earth!

This Monday kids can find inspiration and empowerment at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum at the FREE workshop, "How to Be a Superhero for Planet Earth!" Register Here.

For kids from Kindergarten to 3rd grade, this workshop is a fun and interactive way to teach kids how they can make a difference for the planet through their everyday actions. They listen to a story, play games, and take home their own Action Plan to remind them how many ways they can make a difference and help the planet.

What's unique about this program is it focuses on what the children can do themselves. This isn't a project for parents with plans to create compost centers, rain gardens, or renewable energy systems at home.

Alexandra Gnoske, mother of three and Environmental Expert, designed "How to Be a Superhero for Planet Earth," so kids could be environmentalists with or without their parents. "We live in a busy time and parents aren't always available," says Gnoske. "I certainly can't do everything with my kids or have time for them to do all the things they are interested in."

So Gnoske devised a way for kids to do it on their own. Empower and inspire them. She shows them that no matter how young they are, their actions make a difference to the planet and wildlife and there are many things they can do without help. To reinforce this, she sends them home with an Action Plan and has them sign up for CLUB LOUI, a monthly newsletter aimed at kids and their families with an eco-tip of the month and information on eco friendly activities and sales in the Chicagoland area.

Well, admittedly most Kindergartners don't have email accounts and aren't tech savvy. But it's a start. We need this generation to get it, whether their parents do or not.

eSutras organics One Day Only Sale!

Open To Public Manufacturers One Day Only Sale!

Friday – 29^th April

www.esutras.com

Stop into our showroom (3333 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618) and save money while you change towards a Greener lifestyle!!!

·        Get 40% off Green Home and Green Lawn and Green Laundry Products!!!

·        We will have Green Laundry (Soap Nuts Laundry Kits), Green Home Cleaning Kits (4 Concentrates + sprayers) Green Gardening (Child & Pet Safe)

·        Plus: Ready to use All Natural Orange Cleaner, Room Toners, and much more!!!!

·        All at 40% off retail prices – sale valid only for ONE day.

FREE TEA & SAMPLING   AVAILABLE ALL DAY

Plenty of parking too!

Don’t Miss this sale and remember to check back the last Friday of every month for new specials! 

Please email help@esutras.com or call 773-583-4850 with any questions. -- Maggie.

If you want to get on our mailing list – please send me an email back to help@esutras.com

Green Genes 3rd Anniversary Celebration!

This Weekend, April 2nd/3rd, Green Genes will be celebrating their third anniversary with lots of fun activities for kids and their families - located in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood (but there's lots of parking on their block!).

There are clothing demos, kids readings and activities, fun in the dirt with worm bins, arts and crafts. And BEST OF ALL - it's all good for you and the earth!

Saturday April 2

 10:00-1:00

Trunk Show and Demos on baby wearing with the knowledgeable people behind local company CatBirdBaby

11:00-12:30

STORYTIME with the super enthusiastic gal, Pam Plotkin. Her fave part of storytime: "doing all the wacky voices!"

 

2:00-4:00

Eco arts and crafts. Stop by to see what you can create with scraps, bits, recycled goods etc... We'd like to thank Wishcraft for their awesome ideas and inspiration.   

 

Sunday April 3rd

 1:00-2:00

Come by and chat with a representative from CUB, Citizen's Utility Board, to learn how you can lower your electricity usage and save money on your bills. CUB is all about fighting for the rights of Illinois consumers, and we appreciate that!

 

2:00-3:00

The friendly folks at The Compost Office want your food scraps! Learn how easy it is to set up your own worm bin at home. The C.O. is also on a mission to bring community composting to the busy urban dwellers and businesses of Chicago.  C'mon and get your hands a little dirty!

  

3:00-4:00

Local author and environmental activist, Alexandra Gnoske, wants to help kids become superheroes for planet Earth. Alix engages the kiddos through storytime and an eco-friendly game starring her pal Louie and his animal friends.

Loui Saves the Earth

Plastic Converted Back to Oil? It's Possible!

I found this video which shows the most amazing thing I've seen in a long time.

"Man Invents Machine to Convert Plastic to Oil." Yes, it's true. And I want to know why we haven't heard more about this.

The implications are mind boggling. I'm just blown away!

- Alix

The Burning Question: Light Bulb On of Off?

Shortly after the advent of the light bulb came the ever familiar call of the parent, "turn off that light!" But with 5 different kinds of light bulbs on the market the burning question is, "to turn off, or not to turn off?"

This article will give you quick and simple information on the current bulbs in the market and what to tell your kids about turning off the lights.

Incandescent Bulbs. Turn it OFF!
Your traditional bulb burns brightly but wastes a lot of energy - 85 to 90% of the energy is given off as heat, not light. So not only are you wasting energy, you are creating heat. If the majority of your house still has incandescent lights you need to know two things 1) turn them off, and 2) these bulbs are being phased out because they will not meet the new energy efficiency standards being put into place 2010 - 2014 (see the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 EISA).

Fluorescent Bulbs. Turn it OFF, unless...
While they are 4 to 6 times more efficient than incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs life span is shortened by frequently turning it on and off. If you are in a high traffic area or going in and out of the room, I would say leave the light on. Otherwise turn it off. NOTE: all fluorescent bulbs have some amount of mercury so please dispose of properly. (see Green Energy Efficient Homes online for more on light bulb efficiency)

Halogen Bulbs. Turn it OFF!
Halogen bulbs are 25% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. They are a brighter and more efficient bulb that is typically used when intense light is needed (as in photography, spotlights on stage, or reading lamps).

CFLs. Turn it OFF, unless...
CFL's or compact fluorescent bulbs are 75% more efficient than incandescent bulbs, don't emit large amounts of heat, last 10 times longer, now have good lighting quality, and are inexpensive. CFL's do start out dim, so if you are going in and out of a room it does make sense to keep this light on. But leaving it on for hours is not more efficient. A good rule of thumb is the 15 minute rule: if you are coming back in 15 minutes leave it on. NOTE: buy name brand CFLs with a 5+ year warranty as cheap CFLs will burn out faster. And dispose of properly, as these bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury.

LEDs. Turn it OFF!
Light Emitting Diode bulbs or LEDs last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs and don't emit heat. There's no extra wear and tear from turning on and off these lights. NOTE: LEDs are still evolving and are expensive. But as competition grows LEDs costs will come down. Stay tuned.

In Summary/Teaching Kids: Turn it OFF!
Yes, it still holds true. In the end, the oldest and simplest lesson is the one that saves the most energy overall. If you want to keep it real simple for your kids just tell them to turn off the lights. Even considering the amount of energy you spend by turning lights on and off, and the effect on the life expectancy of the bulb, it is still more energy efficient to turn the lights off. If your child is old enough and you have fluorescent or CFL's in your house, you can explain the 15 minute rule. You may also want to consider a light sensor that will automatically turn the lights off and on. And just because a light bulb is more efficient, doesn't mean you can leave it on longer - if you aren't using it, it is still called wasting.

In the end, the point is to conserve energy (and money). So turn off the light.

( http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/lighting.html - a great website that has a calculator to help you figure out your energy costs/savings)

Alexandra Gnoske an Environmental Expert and teaches the "How to be a Superhero for Planet Earth" workshop for kids in Chicagoland. She is the Founder and President of RECYCLE ME http://www.recyclemeorganictees.com, the author and illustrator of "Loui Saves the Earth" http://www.louisavestheearth.com and writes the monthly column, Mindful Business Matters for Mindful Metropolis.

First Published on Ezine Articles - Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexandra_Gnoske

5 Easy Steps to Save Money, Time and the Planet during the Holidays!

December is a time for holiday parties, visiting friends and family, and doing a lot of shopping. For many people it is also a time of great stress. Besides being pressured for time and money, the planet is also under pressure. In December the U.S. generates twice as much waste creating over 2 million tons of waste a week! Seventy percent of Americans say they wish there was less focus on shopping and more on the important things in life. This year you can enjoy the holidays while saving money, time, and the planet when you follow these 5 easy steps.


5 EASY STEPS TO SAVE MONEY, TIME AND THE PLANET DURING THE HOLIDAYS
1. Shop Local. When you shop local you can save money by ditching your car and walking. You can save time by cutting down your time commuting in your car. Or take the train/bus to the closest neighborhood with a shopping district. You can do some fun window shopping, get some exercise, and save the planet some carbon. You also keep the money flowing in your neighborhood, help create jobs, vote with your dollars, get better service, and invest in the community. Now don't you feel better already?

2. Give the gift(s) that keeps on giving. Instead of the latest and cheapest gifts on the market, here are some ideas for gifts that keep on giving - Reusable Gifts. Don't worry, hese haven't been used already! They are gifts that people will use over and over again saving them time, money, and helping the planet.

• My favorite is REUSABLE BAGS. Wait! They can be cute and fun, besides durable and practical. We use over 4 million tons of shopping bags and gift wrapping in December! You can give gifts in reusable bags OR give them as gifts. Try Chico, Baggu, or Envirosax. 
• Stainless steel or BPA free reusable water bottles and mugs. Do the planet, and all the animals and people a favor and help keep as much plastic out of the waste stream as possible! Americans use 2.5 million water bottles an hour and throw away 25 billion styrofoam coffee cups a year! Check out Kleen Kanteen, or discountmugs.com.
• Cloth Napkins. If everyone used one less paper napkin a day, more than a billion pounds of napkins could be saved from landfills each year! Even better, we would save somewhere around 2 million trees a year. Check out Crate and Barrel or prontohome.com for some cloth napkins.
•  Lunch Boxes/Reusable Containers. Making lunch instead of eating out or buying hot lunch at school, is healthier, costs less, and wastes less. Save someone the toxic mess and waste when you buy them an Eco Lunchbox.

These are my favorite reusable gifts because they get everyday use, are better for our health and the planet.

3. Cook less/Eat More. What? Well, after holiday parties Americans throw away 28 billion pounds of edible food. So we need to either cook less, eat more, or get a pack of dogs to eat the leftovers. You can also bring containers for leftovers at family parties, or plan ahead and familiarize yourself with local food shelters and charities who would appreciate the extra food.

4. Just say Foil! And say NO to styrofoam. Many people eat out more often during the month of December. When you are taking your leftovers say yes to foil and no to styrofoam. Styrofoam use is up at restaurants to save money because it's so cheap! Well, it's not good for your health or the planets. Styrofoam, or polystyrene, is made with petroleum, a non-sustainable and polluting resource. According to the EPA it is the 5th largest creator of hazardous waste and it is a possible human carcinogen. It's bad for humans, for animals, and the ozone. So what if it's cheap! On the other hand, aluminum foil is easily recycled and it's up to 95% energy efficient to recycle it! Visit NoFoamChicago.org for more information.

5. Live and let Live. What if you could replant your Christmas tree? At RootsforChristmas.com you can! (Well, at least you can in Chicago). Roots for Christmas is a pilot initiative to transfer live trees from farm to house to city. They will bring your tree to your house and pick it up 14 - 18 days later to plant in a tree starved neighborhood in the city. I love this idea and I think other places will follow suit. Many places offer tree mulching after the holidays, so take advantage because over 30 million trees are cut for Christmas and 10 million end up in landfills.

 

I hope this helps you enjoy December a little bit more, saves you money, and frees up some time. But mostly I hope it helps make the planet a healthier, safer place because that's good for all of us!

Small Business Saturday: Chicagoland

If you haven't heard yet, Saturday, November 27th, is Small Business Saturday - a day to shop locally and support your small businesses. It's about time! According to the U.S. Small Business Administration 99.7 percent of all the nation’s employer businesses are small businesses. Data also show that they employed 57.4 million Americans or 50.6 percent of the non-farm private sector workforce in 2005.

What is a small business, you may be wondering. SBA defines a small business as a concern that is organized for profit; has a place of business in the U.S.; operates primarily within the U.S. or makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy through payment of taxes or use of American products, materials or labor; is independently owned and operated; and is not dominant in its field on a national basis. The business may be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or any other legal form. In determining what constitutes a small business, the definition will vary to reflect industry differences.

Basically, it's not a chain store. But I like to focus on the really small, local businesses. So here is my list of suggestions for places to visit this Saturday if you live in the Chicagoland area - -  they are the businesses I shop at, the ones run and operated by the people who conceived of them, the Mom and Pops, especially green and fair trade focused:

Oak Park - 

Green Home Experts: Home goods store with many everyday items, and some fun, unique gifts. We bought some green school supplies there.

Geneva - 

Peaceful Parlour: New green store with lots of great gifts. Just bought some unbelievable glass straws for the stockings.

Evanston - 

Healthy Green Goods: Home goods store with the added expertise of owner and Doctor, Marny Turvill. 

Andersonville - 

The Galleria: a great selection of products from many of the smallest, most independent businesses around.

Green Genes: Babies, kids, adults, great gifts and lots of one of a kind fun stuff.

Women and Children First: Excellent book store, longtime Andersonville favorite.

Lincoln Square - 

The Book Cellar: local bookstore that supports local authors.

Northcenter - 

Bellybum Boutique: Mom and baby boutique. I like to get stuff for myself at this store. Mommy needs nice things too!

Hyde Park - 

The Fair Trader: definitely the place for gift buying and giving.

Running around shopping and need to refuel? Try one of these local favorites with yummy, local, organic, gluten free, vegan or any combination of these kinds of foods.

Drew's Eatery

Ranalli's of Andersonville

Uncommon Ground (Edgewater/Wrigleyville)

Need more suggestions on local small businesses to patronize?

Local Chicago First

Mindful Metropolis

Please leave your comments on your local favorites.

Happy Shopping!

Fall in Chicago

It's been a great Autumn in Chicago. Lots of birdwatching, gardening and biking.

Today I raked the leaves with the kids and made a huge pile, that they jumped in and then decided to make into a nest. Needless to say, I didn't get all the leaves raked up. But I did manage to crush up a bunch of leaves and throw them in the garden. Never again will I put them in a bag and leave them in the alley. I even have my husband saving the leaves so we can compost them or cover the garden for the winter.

The last few years I've thrown our pumpkins in the front garden after Halloween and they've really helped fertilize the soil. This particular patch was not very fertile as it had old, unkempt bushes there for decades. Now every spring it blooms with tulips and I'm thrilled to receive many compliments. Nothing brings such beauty and pleasure as nature. Still trying to make this garden flourish beyond spring. Once the leaves come there's a lot of shade and that's challenged me. Plus the front side garden is on a slant and the soil is always getting runoff.

I'm fortunate to live by the north branch of the Chicago River so it's easy to get in some bird watching at a moments notice. The spillway by the North Park track is a great spot. The black crowned night herons have left for the winter, but other ducks are on their way.

I hope you enjoy your Halloween and have a safe and fun time! Remember to compost those pumpkins!

Alexandra Gnoske is a local author and illustrator of childrens books, including "Loui Saves the Earth." She is an environmental expert and writes the Mindful Business Matters Blog for Mindful Metropolis. You can get monthly eco tips for your family and find out about local eco events and sales by joining CLUB LOUl. Email alix@louisavestheearth.com.

The Number One Way to Teach Your Kids about Sustainability

We are living in a time when oil is covering the gulf, plastic islands are floating in our oceans, and BPA is contaminating our lives - it's even in our store receipts! How do we make sure our world is safe for our children and grandchildren?

While many people in the world are taking steps to lead healthier, safer lives for people and planet, the future is in the hands of our children. The best things we can do as parents, caregivers, and teachers is to teach them to live sustainable lives.

What is a sustainable lifestyle? According to Wikipedia, "Proponents of sustainable living aim to conduct their lives in manners that are consistent with sustainability, in natural balance and respectful of humanity's symbiotic relationship with the Earth's natural ecology and cycles."

There are many topics to cover with our kids, from organic foods to recycling to renewable energy. But what is the Number One way to teach our kids sustainability?

It's no secret. The Number One way to teach our kids how to live a sustainable life is by example! How do you live your life? What do your children see you do? What is important to you? We grew up in the culture of "better living through chemistry," and we have some bad habits. But it's time to break those habits for the sake of our future generations.

Kids are people too. Be honest and let them know that you aren't perfect, and learn together. Maybe you already recycle and commute, but it may be time to invest in that worm bin under your sink (did you know that the majority of municipal waste is compostable?). Maybe it's time to invest in non-toxic cleaners and detergents.

There are many ways to live sustainably, just start! Let your kids see you living sustainably and tell them why it's important. Include them. They probably have some great ideas to share with you too! Lead by example and help our children live sustainable lives today.

Helpful sites on living sustainably and sustainable products: Green Home Experts, Green Genes, Chicago Department of Environment, Recycle Me, Green Depot, Mindful Metropolis, Loui Saves the Earth, Chicago Electric Bicycles, Lollidoo Diapers, The Green Mama

Please add other helpful sites in comments!

Green Story Time!

Beginning June 25^th, Chicago Author and Illustrator, Alexandra Gnoske, will be hosting Green Story Time at Bellybum Boutique, entertaining children of all ages with green stories from several authors, including her own Loui Saves the Earth, along with fun and educational eco friendly activities.

Ms. Gnoske takes her passion for environmental education and turns it into an inspiring story with a simple message: children can make a difference for Planet Earth. At Green Story Time, she will be reading green themed stories and talking with children about environmental issues and how they too can make a difference for the planet.

“Kids can make a difference for our planet. Loui Saves the Earth is a very simple book that will please even the smallest children. Soon the little ones will be teaching these lessons to those around them,” says Jill Vanderwood, author, What's It Like Living Green?: Kids Teaching Kids, by the Way They Live.

Ms. Gnoske has several adventurous stories for Loui and Dusty to help the planet and hopes to inspire many little superheroes for Planet Earth. Her blog, www.louisavestheearth.com/blog, features stories about simple things children are doing to help the planet. She is also writing a book about the environmental impact of clothing.

Green Story Time runs every other Friday starting June 25^th, from 1030am to 1115am at Bellybum Boutique, 4347 N. Lincoln Ave., a unique shopping experience where you will find all things good for you, your baby, and the earth, www.bellybumboutique.com. Ms. Gnoske is also the founder and owner of RECYCLE ME, a Chicago based organic cotton clothing company, www.recyclemeorganictees.com.

Contact:

Alexandra Gnoske

Recycle Me

773 655 4210

www.louisavestheearth.com

# # #

Chicago Green Festival

What are you doing this weekend? Hop a train, a bus, or hop on your bike and get down to Navy Pier for the biggest Green and environmentally friendly event of the year!

May 22 - 23 is Chicago's 4th annual Chicago Green Festival brought to you by Green America and Global Exchange featuring hundreds of local and regional green businesses, non-profits, and community groups who are making a difference for you and the planet!

There will also be dozens of expert speakers on many interesting and current topics, lots of free samples, and the fabulous food court where you can taste so many different healthy yet delicious things!

You can find RECYCLE ME and local Chicago author and illustrator Alexandra Gnoske of Loui Saves the Earth at the Sweet Spot Cafe in booth 1230 with BOT Bakery. BOT Bakery makes handcrafted Organic-Vegan-Gluten-Free, baked goods!

There so much to see, learn, and experience (for kids too - and kids always get in free), you should stay for the whole weekend!

Green Business Owners You Should Know

Last month RECYCLE ME joined many other local green business and organizations at the North Lake Shore Community Earth Day 2010 event on the Loyola Campus.

We were fortunate enough to run into two of our favorite Green Business Owners: Marilyn Jones with Consolidated Printing from Chicago and Kathleen H. of Distinctive Green Interiors and Local Green Connect from Elgin.

Both woman are doing, and have been doing, wonderful things for the environment for years. Marilyn is the owner of the award winning Consolidated Printing who has been pioneering green printing since the 1970s. Check out their recent interview with NBC5 here.

Kathleen has got to be one of the busiest environmental proponents I know. Just this week she planted a 400 oak tree forest in Elgin. She heads up Distinctive Green Interiors helping people create eco responsible homes. She's amazing at connecting people and developing eco programs for businesses, schools, you name it!

So glad to know them both. And I hope you can check them both out as they are true (local) Green Business Owners making a difference in their communities and for the planet!

Summer Reading a Little Early! Loui Saves the Earth for kids of all ages

Local Author and Illustrator, Alexandra Gnoske, has just published Loui Saves the Earth a children's book with some local Chicago flair.

The book is an inspiring story of how a boy and his dog can make a difference for Planet Earth. It teaches, while entertaining, the importance of our everyday actions, and that everyone, even little kids, can make a big difference.

The author will be hosting a book release party on May 15th, from 3 - 5pm with readings at 330 and 430, at Drew's Eatery, 2207 W. Montrose. Ms. Gnoske will be giving away signed copies of her book to the first 15 people at the event.

You can also find her book on amazon.com.

Ms. Gnoske is big on teaching kids about nature and environmental issues. She has a degree in Wildlife Biology and a J.D. in Environmental Law. She previously taught at the Ozark Natural Science Center and continues engaging children with Loui Saves the Earth.

Her Blog is meant to empower children by acknowledging the everyday things they do that make a difference for the planet.

You can also find Ms. Gnoske selling her Recycle Me brand organic and water based cotton tees around Chicagoland. For more information on upcoming events and book signings please visit www.louisavestheearth.com. We recommending purchasing your book on amazon before an event in case the books run out!

Earth Day Sales and Promotions from Green Businesses!

Here is a list of ongoing promotions for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day from Green Businesses approved by Green America:




Green Goddess Earth Day promotion for Face Care Sampler Kits - Code: ED2010
www.gardenofeve.com

Organic Grace has several items for the home on sale this month. For a full listing see:
www.organicgrace.com

Eco Options Ltd. is have a 15% off sale all month. For more information on their products see:
http://www.greeniscool.biz

For 15% off organic skin care options, April 19 - 21st please visit:
http://www.auroranova.com

For a great sale on healthy cleaning products visit Liz Amason's website

For the BEST price ever on wood drying racks, APRIL 17TH ONLY visit Real Green Goods at
www.realgreengoods.com

For organic and eco friendly baked goods visit: Trulywize.com

Please join in the April Auction for Charity with the EcoEtsy Team

Nurture Your Body for 22% off all week long with Patty and Rich at Nurture My Body

And Lovely Bums is have some lovely promotions on their website.

And remember your friends at Recycle Me, with free shipping and 10% off all items!

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.

Green Holiday Guide: Interviews with Green Business Owners

Interview with Maria Onesto Moran

Maria Onesto Moran is the Owner and President of Green Home Experts, an eco-friendly building and home supply store at 823 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL.

RM: Maria, what inspired you to open Green Home Experts?

MM: I’ve always had a tough time finding green products for my own home, so I wanted to open a store that was a one-stop shop for all things green.

RM: Tell me about the kind of products you carry.

MM: We specialize in eco-friendly building and home supplies, offering green alternatives for everything in the home. Our products vary, but we concentrate on the following:
Made of recycled and/or recyclable materials
Made of renewable resources
Water or energy efficient
Non-toxic
Made with biodegradable ingredients
Not tested on animals

RM: When did you open?

MM: Green Home Experts opened in February, 2008.

RM: How have things changed, if at all, since you started?

MM: Oh gosh, I could write a book about this. I’ve never been so exhausted—or happy—in my life. The store has experienced tremendous growth since we opened, offering a larger variety of product. The community looks to us as the go-to source of information and product. We really enjoy answering people’s questions, helping solve their problems, and offering green alternatives for every day living.

RM: What's next?

MM: We’re looking to expand to personal care products and possibly add a shopping cart to our website.

RM: What's the one message you would like to give to people?

MM: Always trust your gut.

RM: Will you have any special products available for the holidays?

MM: Yes! We are rolling out the holiday products which include
Recycled glass ornaments; A variety of holiday gift soaps; Cutting boards made from locally reclaimed lumber; Messenger and grocer bags made from recycled plastic; Bamboo business card holders

Thank you Maria!

Maria Onesto Moran lives in Forest Park with her husband and two pitbulls, Butkus and Mia. She loves spending time with her dogs and working on her 95 year old house when she isn't at Green Home Experts helping other people with their houses. Green Home Experts is open Tuesday through Sunday at 10am, closing at 7pm T - F, 4pm Sat, and 2pm Sun.