eco-Andersonville

eco-Andersonville promotes and encourages sustainability through programs including:

In December 2007 the Andersonville Development Corporation formed a committee to guide the eco-Andersonville initiative. This committee researched ways in which Andersonville businesses could reach “green” certification. Many of the programs researched were too big and expensive for local, independently-owned businesses or they were not robust enough to cover eco-Andersonville’s three strands of sustainability: people, planet, and prosperity. Therefore, the committee decided that Andersonville could create its own program that would best fit and serve the needs of its businesses. Additionally, the committee wanted to capture the great marketing potential for businesses that are acting sustainable.

Research shows that one-third of Americans have a heightened interest in the environment; 93% of Americans believe that companies have a responsibility to help preserve the environment; and organic retail sales in the US have grown 20-24% since 1990. Even in the midst of economic uncertainty, consumers are looking to spend sustainably: local, environmentally responsible, organic, and fair-trade.

The eco-Andersonville Sustainable Business Certification Program will recognize how businesses are making a positive environmental, economic, and social impact. It will also highlight these businesses to a growing number of eco-conscious consumers.

Recent Press includes:

"Greening Main Street Businesses," National Main Street, April 2009. Click here.  

Interview with Hamburger Mary's, National Main Street, April 2009. Click here 

Interview with Green Genes, National Main Street, April 2009. Click here.  

Interview with GreenSky, National Main Street, April 2009. Click here.

"Andersonville Goes Green," Community Media Workshop. Click here 

Mention in "Green Jobs and How to Get them," Chicago Reader, April 200. Click here.