eco-Andersonville

Mary is also a "green gal." All carryout packaging is made from renewable sources, such as bagasse containers (sugar cane pulp), corn resin souffle cups and veggie starch forks. Hamburger Mary's purchases only non-bleached, high recycled-content paper for napkins and tissue; has converted nearly all lighting to CFL and LED bulbs; recycles all glass, plastic, cardboard, paper and metal; and has developed extensive energy management procedures and policies to reduce consumption. Together with Mary's charitable contributions (weekly charity Bingo nights, as well as partnerships with various charities), Hamburger Mary's is committed to operating as sustainably as possible.

The clothing and products provided have been produced in an eco-friendly manner. The vision of Green Genes is to continually educate the consumer with the latest information regarding the production of our merchandise while supplying them with fashionable and unique products.

Also in creating the storefront, Green Genes wanted to make sure that the interior space was consistent with their mission. The floors and front counter have been designed using bamboo, a sustainable and rapidly renewable resource, and kirei board, a beautiful architectural element created from the leftovers stalks of the sorghum plant. Until recently, these stalks have been burned or discarded, adding to landfill waste and pollution. The walls are painted with low VOC paints and the store has given new life to salvaged and antique furniture as fixtures throughout the space. All packaging and gift wrap are made from recycled and biodegradable materials. When a customer orders online, their items will most likely arrive in boxes and packing material reused from vendor shipments. When items are no longer useable, Green Genes recycles all that they can.  

GreenSky is a locally owned eco-boutique anchored in the restored corner Victorian building at Balmoral & Ashland. GreenSky opened its doors in November 2006 to add to the retail mix and create a charming, artsy touch to this once bland and shuttered building. GreenSky is the first Green America approved business in Andersonville specializing in recycled, reclaimed, Fair Trade and socially conscious products.

This colorful shop offers an eclectic variety of home & everyday products and unique handmade gifts sourced locally from small, independent artisans as well as fair trade and not for profit companies. Items range from one of a kind decorative arts to outdoor furniture made from milk jugs and toothbrushes made from recycled yogurt cups to luxurious bamboo bath towels. And whenever you purchase Fair Trade chocolates at GreenSky, 10% of the sales go to Care For Real, Edgewater’s only food pantry. Every item in this shop has a story and does something good.

GreenSky is certified by Green America and recognized for being socially & environmentally responsible in the way they source the products, their commitment to preserving the environment & for promoting the communities they do business in. Local owners Nadeen Kieren & Thom Greene purchased and restored this historic dilapidated building and transformed it into a community jewel. The store is furnished with recycled dressers and tables purchased in the neighborhood and recycling and energy saving techniques such as CFL lighting are employed wherever possible.

When you are looking for something unique and affordable that also does something good, think GreenSky…. “It’s the kind of place you only seem to find when you are on vacation”.

The Coffee Studio
A three-star eco-Andersonville business
5628 N. Clark Street
Website

The Coffee Studio is Andersonville's modern, independent espresso bar focused on expertly crafting delicious drinks and snacks from fresh locally-roasted coffees and simple, flavorful ingredients. As Andersonville residents, owners Miguel and Lee Corrina Cano love being able to contribute to the uniqueness and charm of the neighborhood with their modern, comfortable shop and, in the summer, with their outdoor cafe (perfect for enjoying locally-made Italian Ice on hot evenings). The couple's design background is evident in the look and feel of the shop, but it's their passion for the best coffees and simple, all-natural ingredients that is evident "in the cup", a result of their insistence on sourcing the best coffees, maintaining the the highest quality equipment, and constantly working on barista skill development. With their mouth-watering selection of locally-baked pastries, choices of both healthy and indulgent snacks, locally-roasted award-winning whole bean coffees for sale and their signature drinks, The Coffee Studio is a fantastic way to start the day and people are noticing... The Coffee Studio recently won a 2009 Time Out Chicago: "Critics' Pick" Eat Out Award.

Having backgrounds in green design and sustainability policy, it's not surprising that Miguel and Lee developed their vision for The Coffee Studio with environmental and social concerns not just in mind, but in their business' Mission and Values. One of the company's priorities is to actively seek opportunities to minimize its negative effects on the environment and to make decisions/purchases that positively contribute to environmentally and socially sustainable processes, most significantly in terms of purchasing ingredients (Direct-Trade, organic, local, all-natural, as much as possible), supplies (biodegradable packaging, minimizing packaging, recycled paper goods, Green Seal soaps, etc.) and in ongoing investments (recycled materials in the store, low-VOC paints, energy efficiencies, etc.) amongst other community-oriented efforts. With a goal of "continuous improvement" in everything they do, The Coffee Studio is committed to constantly seeking new and more sustainable ways to do business now and in the future.

Joel Berman Architecture & Design, ALA, LEED AP
A two-star eco-Andersonville business
5212 N. Clark Street, Suite 3

Visionary Eye Care
A one-star eco-Andersonville business
5222 N. Clark
Website

Founded by Doctors Michael Ciszek and Barbara Butler-Schneider in 1996, Visionary Eye Care has been meeting Andersonville's unique eye care needs for the past thirteen years. We have evolved from modest beginnings into two practices that care deeply about both patients and the environment. We offer exam exams, treatment of eye diseases, and access to the newest contact lens technology available. In addition to medical services we also have a wide variety of frames to suit everyone's individual style. Through our commitment to the community, converting to paperless medical records and using certified recycling programs, Visionary continues to strive for sustainability and we look forward working with Eco-Andersonville to create a more environmentally focused future.

SIR Spa, Chicago’s premier day spa for men, was launched in Andersonville by local owners Pete Hillman & Mike Thompson in 2006.  The goal was to develop a male-oriented day spa, the first of its kind in Chicago, with an experience that was modern, masculine and not intimidating towards men.  Unlike other Chicago day spas where the male clientele is an afterthought, SIR offers services and products centred and focused on the needs of men.  We have created a spa experience and atmosphere within the masculine comfort zone; specializing in bodywork, skincare and offering the largest selection of male grooming products in the city.  More than three years and 10,000 guests later, SIR is proud to be continually recognized from esteemed media:  Chicago Tribune, Red Eye, Time Out Chicago, World Traveller, American Spa, Best of CitySearch, Comcast, CBS2 and Frommer’s Travel, to name a few.  Now SIR Spa is becoming “green” and proud to be a part of making our community even better by partnering with Eco-Andersonville.
SIR Spa’s team of 35 employees and owners are now committed to sustainability and in reducing our environmental carbon foot print.  We’ve already instituted a certified recycling program, removed plastic water bottles for guests in exchange for ice water decanters, changed over all cleaning supplies to earth-friendly products, modified lighting with timer controls and cfl’s to reduce waste, created new recyclable and reusable shopping bags, operate nearly paperless internally with strong e-systems, support more than 40 local charitable groups each year, and can even boast that 65% of our team bike, walk or use public transportation to and from work each and every day.  Inside and out SIR will continue to create positive, sustainable changes for our guests, neighborhood, city and planet.  Relax & recycle.