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This Newstip edited by Curtis Black
Contact:
312-369-7783
| fax 312-369-6404
| curtis@newstips.org
Andersonville Goes Green
Newstip Date: 04-20-2009
Already widely noted for the charm and character of a thriving business district composed almost entirely of independent, locally-owned businesses, Andersonville may soon be known as a place for green businesses and socially-conscious shopping as well.
Eco-Andersonville, a green business certification program which is being launched on Earth Day (Wednesday, April 22), is designed to reduce environmental impacts, increase community benefits, and appeal to the growing green customer base, said Sara Dinges of the Andersonville Development Corporation.
Four businesses which are completing eco-Andersonville's certification process will receive window decals and additional publicity on Earth Day and beyond, along with energy audits and other technical and promotional assistance. Eco-Andersonville aims to certify 15 businesses by the end of the year, Dinges said.
A rigorous certification process -- adapted from national accreditation programs to fit local small businesses -- rates businesses with one, two, or three stars, based on a comprehensive checklist including reduction of energy use and waste as well as community participation and business efficiency.
Ellen Shepard of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce distinguishes eco-Andersonville from "greenwashing," where big corporations adopt environmental imagery in their marketing without significantly altering their practices. For businesses participating in eco-Andersonville, "there's a lot of substance and principle behind this," she said.
"We wanted to make sure it had a serious environmental impact," said Dinges. Certification involves reviewing all energy and water bills, along with tracking trash and recycling. Eco-Andersonville provides energy audits for local businesses and is working on developing recycling and composting programs for the business district.
For Nadeen Kieran of GreenSky at Ashland and Balmoral, participating in eco-Andersonville is an extension of the store's mission, which is to provide eco-friendly products and artisan creations. The store's donations to the community -- for example, 10 percent of proceeds from fair-trade chocolate goes to a local food pantry -- helped it garner a higher rating.
Customer loyalty based on local owership and shared values may be especially valuable in a tough economy. A post-Christmas survey of Andersonville businesses showed "they're doing much better than national retailers," said Shepard. "Something about this economy is making people think about where they're spending their money."
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