Green Holiday Shopping

Local Women Make it Easy

By Bill Peterson

Big or small, local sustainable businesses prove that good business can go hand-in-hand with serving people and the planet. This month Natural Awakenings is pleased to introduce two sustainable clothing stores in Eastown and two sustainable/fair trade gift stores in East Hills. All four establishments are located within a few miles, perfect for a fun and easy green shopping experience.

Green Heiress

"The best way to educate our children is to live by example," says Erica McIlroy, owner of Green Heiress in Eastown, Grand Rapids’ newest hotspot for sustainable apparel and accessories. She explains that her own family’s natural evolution into an organic energy-efficient lifestyle led to opening her boutique. "As clothing is a basic necessity, I thought it would be fun to bring fashion and the environment together," she says.

McIlroy notes that her customers tend to be conscientious and eager to learn about sustainable practices. Her own mindful approach to operating an ethical business has led her to look beyond sustainability to examine worker conditions at manufacturers she deals with. Since there are no organic clothing industry standards pertaining to fair trade, she had to ask "a lot of questions." Store staff invests time in thoroughly researching products lines to ensure they meet both fair trade and environmental standards. The one that continues to stand is Indigenous Designs. McIlroy likes that they’re "extremely fair trade minded and that their organic clothing is exceptional and elegant."

Green Heiress offers many one-of-a-kind sustainable garments. Examples include a striking dress made from a pair of former trench coats, and fashionable purses made of tires. A local artist contributes fascinating jewelry made of recycled materials. Equally impressive are the sustainable clothing options for eco-fashionable men. Hemp clothing, shoes and accessories add to the intriguing mix.

Since Green Heiress is run by moms, kids are encouraged to come along. Many like to enter into the creative spirit at the kid’s table. All in all it’s an excellent shopping experience for everyone.

Green Heiress is located at 1503 Lake Dr. (corner of Lake and Wealthy) in Grand Rapids. For information call 616-682-0659 or visit GreenHeiress.com.

Clothing Matters

Once asked by a customer what her store was doing for Earth Day, Clothing Matters owner Marta Swain responded that "Everyday is Earth Day." As West Michigan’s oldest sustainable clothing store, the clientele here celebrates Earth Day 365 days a year.

Clothing Matters has been a prime local source of hemp and sustainable clothing and accessories for more than a decade. But the purpose of this Eastown business is promoting and encouraging what Swain refers to as "conscious consumerism."

"I am greatly satisfied and feel rewarded when I connect with people who know enough to care and with those who care enough to know," she enthuses. Her lifelong passion for education shows up in enhanced awareness, knowledge and inspiration relative to the need for sustainability, which helps people rethink their habitual actions.

Swain points out that shopping consciously is a multi-dimensional experience. "I have several customers who get more satisfaction from purchasing gifts of this kind for others than they do for themselves," she says. "‘Gifting’ something sustainable to another offers something positive to the purchaser, the receiver and humanity."

Clothing Matters carries clothing suited to all generations, from infant to great-grandparent. Pieces vary from weekend casual to the workaday professional. A popular men’s item is hemp/silk shirts. Women particularly like the assorted hand-knit organic cotton sweaters and hemp/wool jackets. Earth Shoes for both sell in a choice of styles.

Clothing Matters is pleased to be a member of Co-op America by meeting that organization’s strict standards for sustainable merchandise. Dozens of tips for sustainable living are available online at CoopAmerica.org.

Clothing Matters is located at 415 Norwood S.E. (behind Wolfgang’s) in Grand Rapids. For information call 616-742-2818 or visit ClothingMatters.net.

Global Infusion

Longtime friends Joana Hively and Beth Grilley realized a shared vision that embraces their love of teaching, learning and the environment two years ago when they opened Global Infusion in East Hills. Making the most of Grilley’s herbal training and Hively’s non-profit experience advocating fair trade principals, the shop offers the Grand Rapids’ community a refreshing option for fair trade gift ideas, herbal teas and coffees. Their spacious shop offers comfortable seating for leisurely enjoyment of fresh beverages while journaling or conversing with friends.

Hively explains that the importance of fair trade lies in the fact that the majority of wholesalers are non-profit organizations that facilitate a democratic process. "As a result," she says, "depending on the product or co-op involved, 25 to 40 percent of the retail price goes directly to the creator or co-op."

Global Infusion’s wall of bulk tea also serves as a popular pantry for tea drinkers. "Too, we have an excellent resource section for those who want to learn more about the medicinal benefits of these teas," says Hively.

In addition, the pair offers handmade baskets, musical instruments and colorful winter wear that especially appeal to holiday shoppers. The ultimate aim is customer enjoyment and continuing appreciation of purchases.

For all the many benefits, Grilley still acknowledges that "the best part of all is that the nature of this business allows us to meet extraordinary people."

Global Infusion is located at 143 Diamond Ave., S.E. in Grand Rapids. For information call 616-776-9720.

Hop Scotch Children’s Store

Children of all ages join their parents and grandparents in finding Hopscotch Children’s Store an irresistibly fun place to visit. Sister-owners Rachel Zylstra and Chris Grant, themselves mothers of young children, opened the store one year ago to fill the need for a local children’s store featuring locally made earth-friendly children’s toys, accessories and clothing.

Their quest, says Zylstra, was "to spend our business dollars locally and create a fair wholesale relationship directly with local creative craft people." As a result the craftsmanship of their wooden toys is extraordinary.

She notes that "Grandparents get a feeling of nostalgia when they shop here. Adults react to our store with the same enthusiasm as the children." Top sellers include customized name puzzles, baby hats, and handmade hand puppets that fit both children and adults.

The sisters enjoy serving as the "middle-woman" between local merchandise creators and their community. They feel that they’re succeeding in fulfilling a mission of offering unique, locally-made products that delight both their customers and their own children while supporting the artisans who create them.

Hop Scotch is located at 962 Lake Dr. S.E. in Grand Rapids. For information call 616-233-4008 or visit HopScotchStore.com.

Source: Originally published in Natural Awakenings West Michigan December 2006 Holiday Theme issue.