Three Star Certified Businesses

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.

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 leftover 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 materials are made from recycled and biodegradable materials.

Green Genes Recycles all that they can.

Beginning as a restoration and photography service in 1990, Painted Light Photography & Framing Gallery has added to their offerings with creative and affordable conservation framing, a retail shop featuring gifts, "everyday sundries", locally-produced jewelry, textiles and other highly entrancing artisan wares, an art gallery showcasing eclectic original artwork, prints, photographs and vintage "finds" that will delight and inspire.

Always conscious of resource, energy and community issues, Painted Light strives to reuse and recycle whatever materials possible.  They work to minimize use of electricity and water, green their area with plants, flowers and herbs, and source as many products, supplies, services locally.

“Our recent 3-Star Certification has deepened our commitment to a "wholistic" approach to sustainability.  Business partnerships with non-profit, social change organizations like The Crossroads Fund and The Enterprising Kitchen help realize our notion of what sustainability really requires--impacting peoples’ lives on a positive, life-changing level, creating a more "healthy ecology" for all.” –Barbara Laing

Painted Light is a participating member of the W.A.N.T. and Bowmanville community gardens, and business partners with Eco-Andersonville supporting the Andersonville Farmer’s Market and the Streetscape Recycling Program.

Sifu Design Studio and Fine Yarns is by no means your run of the mill yarn and knitting supply shop.  Opened this past winter Sifu is yet another businesses that simply cannot be classified.  Like our other  recently certified business Transistor, Sifu wears many hats; part knitting shop, classroom, entertainment space, and all around good hang out spot.  Owner Lisa Whiting has created an utterly unique community space.

When it came to weaving environmentally friendly practices into her business it came only natural to Lisa.  She has Installed low flow fixtures in the bathroom, utilized compact fluorescents for lighting, used only recycled and repurposed furniture for the store and has even incorporated environmentally friendly and locally dyed yarns and materials.  Sifu also offers daily workshops on everything from making your own re-usable swiffer pads to weaving rugs from old t-shirts.  Most recently Lisa has been working to insulate her walls and ceilings so she can cut down on her heating and cooling bills and save a little green in the process.  Lisa will also be applying for the eco-Andersonville Green Building Incentive to help make the project more affordable.

Unlike other Chicago day spas where the male clientele is an afterthought, SIR offers services and products centered 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 Traveler, 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.