"Business is the only mechanism on the planet today powerful enough to produce the changes necessary to reverse global, environmental and social degradation." Paul Hawken
 
Green businesses invest in practices that help create an environmentally friendly and sustainable economy.  They work both to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions that influence climate change and reduce pollution that is destroying the earth's biodiversity and habitats.  Green businesses strive to preserve fixed natural resources for future generations.  Though making your business green may take some initial investment, in the long run, green and efficient practices can save your business money.
 
Let's take a look at some of the green business practices in the Edgewater community.  If you have a local green business and would like to be mentioned in a future issue, please send us your story to info@edgewaterdev.org.

Avery Architecture & Design 5855 N Sheridan #15D. 773-209-5569.
Avery Architecture & Design creates architectural solutions for both custom residential with a green focus and environmentally and socially sustainable commercial developments.  Recently, the firm was named a finalist in the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art Flip-a-Strip design competition to tackle the issue of what to do with old strip malls and how to make them more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.  For more information on their projects, visit http://averyarch.com.
 
Greener Cleaners 5312 N Broadway St. 773-784-8429.
Greener Cleaners offers a unique service in Chicago-quality dry cleaning done naturally.  Rather than using chemicals, the business cleans dry cleanable clothing in water with special detergents and conditioners.  Leaving behind no smells or stains, the process uses only materials that can be flushed down into the city's sewer system.  Visit www.greenercleaner.net for more information on where to go for greener cleaning. 

Green Mango Goods, Andersonville Galleria - 5247 N. Clark St. 773-209-0498.
Find a gift for your friends and the planet with Green Mango Goods.  Everything from clocks to picture frames is made from recyclable and sustainable materials.  These unique items reuse resources rather than using new materials. Visit www.greenmangogoods.com for more information.
 
Green Sky, 5347 N Ashland Avenue, (773) 275-1911
Home décor items made from recycled and reclaimed materials, renewable resources, and fair trade companies decorate the displays at Green Sky.  Recently named a Co-Op America approved, partly due to green business practices, the store packages these "green goods" in recycled paper and bags.  Green Sky recycles 95 percent-plus of material that comes into the store, uses recycled furniture and energy efficient appliances and windows.  Visit www.greenskycompany.com for more information.
 
Johnny Sprockets 1052 Bryn Mawr Ave. 773-293-1695.
Johnny Sprockets encourages Chicagoans to ride their bikes to work and actively promotes cycling in the city as an environmentally friendly means of transportation.  One big bike initiative asks people to try to bike for all trips within two miles of home, which covers the majority of trips people take.  For trips involving larger loads, the store stocks and sells bike trailers.  Within the business, Johnny Sprockets recycles cardboard and even bikes, and it is trying to develop a rubber recycling program.  For your bike needs, visit http://johnnysprockets.com .

Recolo 5919 N. Kenmore Ave. 773-516-1386.
Recolo is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping its clients quantify and mitigate their impacts on climate change and supports the advancement of renewable energy through marketing and business development support.  The organization practices green methods too, buying green power, recycling, and using car share and efficient appliances.  For information on how to make your business greener, visit www.recolo.us .

Salon Echo 1134 W Bryn Mawr Ave. 773-989-2358.
Salon Echo captures refreshing salon and spa experience for both you and the environment.  Hair stylists use botanically-based Aveda products and stand on floors made from recycled PVC.  Floors throughout the business are made from sustainable materials-stone in the reception area and wooden floors made from tumbleweed for the spa. The furniture is made out of recycled two liter soda bottles.    Next time you treat yourself to a relaxing day at the spa, consider treating the environment too. Visit www.salonecho.com. 

True Nature Health Foods 6034 N Broadway St. 773-465-6400.
True Nature offers a wide selection of natural foods and products.  In addition to selling environmentally friendly foods, True Nature provides a recycling center accepting corrugated cardboard - located alongside the alley to the rear of the store.  Its green roof provides 15 percent of the cooling in the summer and 15 percent of the heat in the winter, saving energy.  For more information, visit www.truenaturefoods.com.

Uncommon Ground 1401 W. Devon Ave. 773-465-9801. 
With an emphasis on seasonal, regional, and organic ingredients in its menu items, Uncommon Ground is friendly to our common ground, the environment.  In effort to cut down on harmful emissions during transportation of goods, the restaurant only uses seasonal products that support nearby farmers.  Uncommon Ground has even created its own rooftop garden including homes for honey bees!  Self-sustaining, heirloom vegetables from this garden go to its kitchen.  For more information on eco-friendly eating in Edgewater, visit www.uncommonground.com . 

Summer Noodle and Rice is a fantastic new restaurant serving pan-Asian cuisine.  Located at 1123 W. Granville, Summer offers a wide range of dishes including favorites such as Pad Thai, unique appetizers such as Bangkok Street Calamari (grilled calamari and asparagus topped with spicy Thai chili lime sauce), and specials featuring red duck and seared scallops among others.
 
Sue and Ake, proud owners of Summer, opened the restaurant in November of 2007.  They met while working together at Indie, and they have found their experience with and proximity to the restaurant helpful.    Deciding to go into business last summer, Sue and Ake only needed one month to get their business up and running, as they took over an existing business.  Its newly renovated interior, combined with its owners' fifteen years of restaurant experience, has made Summer quite the success.  Frequent foot traffic from four thousand El users at the Granville station has added to its appeal.
 
Check out their well designed website for more information and a full menu at www.summerchicago.com .

Join us to welcome Harvest Moon Farms as they bring their sustainable organic products to our parking lot
at 1401 w. devon avenue.  Call 773-465-9801 for more info.

 

The event occurs every Friday during the summer from 4 pm to 8 pm and includes:

• Farmers Market Stand - do your organic produce shopping for the week
• Outdoor dining with * Live Music*
• Surprise Summer Specials *
  

For product availability, contact Harvest Moon Farms, 773-472-7950 or info@harvestmoon-farms.com.

 

 

Dear Bark Barkers,

Save this date, Thursday - August 7.  Bark Bark Club will be hosting a benefit for Pet Support For Seniors. This non-for-profit helps low-income seniors care for their pets.  We want to raise $5000 for them by offering raffle prizes and a silent auction.  Here is where we need your help.  If you have a product or service that you would be willing to donate for this wonderful organization, please give us a call at 773.989.8807.  Your generous donation is tax deductible and will give your business valuable brand recognition.  More information will be coming your way soon and on our website www.barkbarkclub.com