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37 people, places and ways to live a greener life, right here in Springfield.
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With a ton of momentum (thanks Mr. Obama!), the U.S. is thinking greener than ever before, and Springfield along with it. In our annual Green Issue, we’ve identified the people to know, places to go and things to do (or buy) to make your current lifestyle match the one you’ll be living down the road.
But first, a list of LEED-certified projects and developments (and those currently seeking LEED-certified stastus) in Springfield,
Shopping green
In a perfect world, a green lifestyle will save you money. But isn’t it so much more fun to spend it? Here are a selection of local boutiques and cool-stuff shops that offer a lot of great ideas that won’t wreck the earth—even if your shopping habits do a number on your checkbook.
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Bodhi Salon (431 S. Jefferson Ave., in Wilhoit Plaza) bills itself as the first fully “green” salon in Springfield. Owner Lori Nichols says Bodhi tries to recycle everything they use—from the bottles the products come in to the foil used during dye jobs and even the hair shorn from customers’ heads, which they donate to wig-making charities, as well as creating hair “mats” that absorb oil spills. Bodhi’s spa uses all organic products, sporting the entirely edible Eminence line of products. (Yes, really; during training Nichols says they serve it on crackers.) Bodhi also uses solar heating, advanced, low-energy hair dryers (pictured at left), and energy efficient light bulbs and appliances.
If you’re looking to make your closet greener (besides just the color of your clothes), Global Fayre (324 S. Campbell Ave., 417-873-9792) offers some unique items. Many of their products are made from organic bamboo or 100 percent organic cotton, using all-natural vegetable-dyes and/or recycled fabrics. Some great items to get your hands on are handbags made from the recycled silk of Nepalese saris ($19.50-$30). They also have purses made from plastic bags in all sizes and colors ($25-$65). Global Fayre also carries Tee’s for Change—cute, always-in-fashion T-shirts and tanks ($28–$32) that pay to plant a tree with every purchase.
Dynamic Earth (1110 E. Republic Rd., 417-877-8855) has everything from recycled water bottles and backpacks to clothing made from sustainable fabrics and products. Simple Green Toe shoes boast features like water soluble adhesives and soles made from recycled car tires (priced $70–$85). Dynamic Earth’s line of Mission Playground T’s are 100 percent organic cotton, with eco-friendly dyes ($26). Take a look at their Ice Breaker products, made from renewable Merino sheep wool, one of the most functional fabrics and a true green material. Dynamic Earth products also include a garment tracking number so you can shop knowing your closet is eco-savvy.
Kaleidoscope and Eros Boutique (1430 E. Sunshine St., 417-883-9636) are known for a hippie vibe... but what about their solar “vibes”? That’s right, Eros has a solar-powered vibrator. That’s all we’re going to say about that. Eros also carries Intimate Organics, an organic lubricant, for $15 a bottle. On the Kaleidoscope side, eco-friendly materials like hemp, rope and old billboards are used to make shirts, sandals and purses. Owner Tom Pearson says while it may not all be quote-unquote “green”, Kaleidoscope’s products “try their hardest”. And really, isn’t that all anyone can do?
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One of Staxx Apparel’s (331 South Ave., 417-866-2900) most popular lines, Alternative Apparel, has a division devoted to sustainability called Earth Apparel, with comfortable guys’ V-necks ($26) that will also turn some heads downtown. Staxx’s Matt & Nat line of handbags (at right) use no animal products, and their linings are made of recycled plastic bottles, which keep them sustainable and sturdy ($164).
Springfield’s newest enviro-coaltion, the Partnership for Sustainability, will have a major presence at ArtsFest, coming up May 2–3 ($3 in advance at McDonald’s, $5 at the gate). During the festival, volunteers will collect recycling materials and patrons will get to reuse them in a variety of ways, including a “Project Recycle Runway” fashion show. Look for the Partnership at Walnut and JQH Parkway. For more, check out greenozarks.org.
