Green Living: Community and Conscious Consumerism
Shelley Green opened Little Rock, Arkansas’ The Green Corner Store, which stocks environmentally-friendly products, in the summer of 2009. Founder of the Arkansas Earth Institute and a co-founder of the Sustainable Business Network of Central Arkansas, Green wanted to operate “a friendly establishment where more people could be made aware of healthier, safer ways to care for themselves, their families and their pets.” AY contacted Green for the scoop on upcoming events in her store and why it’s important to shop local.
AY: Between your store, Boulevard Bread (a founding member of the Arkansas Green Restaurant Alliance) and the Root Café (a restaurant with a mission to build community through local food), it seems South Main Street in Little Rock is becoming a hub of sustainable small businesses. Do you agree? Why were you attracted to your location at 1423 Main St., and why has it been a successful spot?
Green: Yes, I agree, it has developed into a “green corner,” and it is great to be located with other businesses that share a common vision for a vibrant Main Street. I was attracted to this location because it is a traditional, livable neighborhood where residents walk, bike or take public transportation to services. I love being in this historic building that has been re-habbed, using environmentally-safe methods. I wanted the store to be an integral part of the community, and I believe it has been successful because people enjoy supporting local business. The neighborhood residents really seem to appreciate having more choices to shop and dine close to home.
AY: From mothers’ groups to art classes to workshops and discussion groups, your store has hosted many events in recent months. Do you have any events planned for 2012? What have been some of your most successful events of the past couple of years?
Green: We will continue our Simple Living series, where we focus on showing people how they can easily incorporate green and sustainable practices into their daily lives. We are planning more discussion groups, guest speakers, authors, do-it-yourself art and craft workshops as well as our very successful food tastings. We will expand our programs about health and wellness, as well. Some of our most successful events are the ones related to food, creativity, art classes and natural parenting techniques.
AY: Tell me about some of your customers’ favorite products. What are they looking for when they come to The Green Corner Store?
Green: Many customers return to the store for one of their “can’t live without” favorite products — including everything from household cleaning, laundry soap, hair care, body care and wellness products. Our Arkansas grown and produced food products — including salsa, honey, rice and baking and spice mixes — are also popular. Many visitors are looking for that perfect gift and want to find something made in Arkansas.
AY: Are there any Arkansas artists or vendors you’re especially excited about working with this year?
Green: I’m always excited to find new artists, crafts people and vendors and introduce them to our customers. We constantly meet and connect with creative folks to add more Arkansas made products in the store. I look forward to seeing our vendors continue to succeed and grow their business. We recently introduced Kent Walker Artisan Cheeses and fresh-milled brown rice from Indian Bayou Milling Co.
AY: Natural Bambino, a cloth diaper and natural parenting store, is located within The Green Corner Store. How and why did you come to partner with Natural Bambino?
Green: When I initially conceptualized my store, I planned to carry cloth diapers and natural parenting products. When Rebecca Taylor talked to me about her desire to educate new mothers about the benefits of using cloth diapers, for the sake of the baby and the environment, we decided to collaborate, and she opened her business, Natural Bambino, within my store. It’s great because she can specialize and give superior customer service to Moms-to-be and new parents.
AY: Why would you encourage an Arkansan to shop local this year?
Green: When you buy from an independent, locally-owned business, a greater portion of the money you spend continues to circulate in the community and strengthen its economic base. Local businesses guarantee a more diverse range of product choices for the consumer, and they reduce the environmental impact of transporting goods from a greater distance. In an increasingly homogenized world, local businesses help to keep the community unique with a more distinctive character — a unique sense of place. There are more reasons, but one very important point is that local businesses know the needs of their customers and tend to give better customer service overall.
AY: What’s one environmentally-friendly habit you would encourage AY readers to make in 2012?
Green: Re-think before you buy new and pause before you throw it away. Become a conscious consumer.
