Great Stores
Green Genes www.green-genes.com
Green Genes arrived in Chicago’s eco-friendly baby boutique scene in 2008 and has been charming shoppers – both in person and online – ever since. Best friends and owners, Heather Muenstermann and Christina Isperduli, have created a store that is as sustainable as it is hip with vintage toys, organic layette, organic lollipops, cloth diapers, bamboo toddler cutlery, and even a custom line of “Sweater Dude & Friends” – snuggly characters made from repurposed sweaters, vintage neckties and antique buttons. “By sourcing organic and natural products through fair trade and sustainable production, we’ll all breathe a little easier knowing that we’re doing 10
our part to reduce pesticides and chemicals in the products we use,” the owners share. “Subsequently, our surrounding environment will be cleaner.” Green Genes is about as green as can be. The store’s floors and counter are made from bamboo. A divider is made from kirei board (stalks of a sorghum plant). Most of the furniture and displays are from second hand or antique stores. Online shoppers will be delighted to find their items arrive in boxes and packing materials Green Genes reuses from their vendor shipments. They also pride themselves on producing less than two bags of garbage a month! Just as important as the green items they carry and their commitment to sustainability is the