Eco-Andersonville: GreenSky
GreenSky
5357 North Ashland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640
Owners: Nadeen Kieren & Thom Greene
What motivated you to get involved in Eco-Andersonville and seek green certification as a pilot for the program?
Several reasons, but mainly to be a model for others. We wanted to attract like-minded, eco-friendly customers and to gain third-party validation that our products and business practices are socially and environmentally responsible. We also wanted to receive recognition for all that we have done to preserve our 1898 Victorian historic building, which is the oldest commercial building in Andersonville. Supporting small artisans and not-for-profits making items that do something good was also important to us.
During the application process for certification, Andersonville business owners are asked to set forth one main sustainability goal. What was yours and what steps have you taken to achieve it?
Our goal was to reduce lighting energy consumption by 30% for track lighting by replacing 50 watt halogen lights with low watt/long life LED lamping. Initial research and trials with LED track lights are currently underway.
Did you encounter any challenges that you think other local business owners might experience in their efforts to go green? If so, how did you overcome them?
LED track lighting for merchandise continues to be a challenge. Additionally, we hear a lot of resistance to recycling corrugated boxes at recycling stations. However, we have found that while it does take some planning, it saves big money in dumpster costs and keeps the boxes out of the landfills.
Now that it's official and the sticker is on your window, how do you anticipate your certification impacting your business and marketing?
It's a nice touch that will make people think. We hope that it will attract like-minded customers seeking ways to be a little greener in their lives.
Having gone through a process like this, what words of wisdom do you have for business owners who are interested in going green?
Do the little things because they add up and will save you dollars in the long run. And don't forget about beautification – plant flowers and trees, even if it's just a small planter. Keep your spaces tidy outside as well as inside. It makes a difference in how people feel about their community and will make them smile.
As a business that is leading by example on the issue of sustainability, what's your vision for Andersonville?
Maintain the character of unique, colorful, good quality ma and pa shops. And of course, keep it local, local, local.
