Local companies bring variety to eco-friendliness

Going “green” may seem like a current trend, but many companies in the Ann Arbor area have truly taken the eco-friendly movement to heart. They’re finding innovative ways to help the earth in every aspect of life. From finding kids toys to treats for your pet, there’s a company in the area that’s got you covered.

for the kids

Palumba
221 Felch Street, #2C
www.palumba.com
866-725-7122

One-of-a-kind toys are easy to find at Palumba’s online store. The company specializes in organic, green-built, handmade children’s items created from all-natural materials. While most of their toys are made in the U.S., the others are crafted in Fair Trade Cooperatives, and all are made without toxins or unsafe parts. Baby toys, playhouses, clothes, and books are just some of the Palumba products that foster imagination and eco-friendliness.

for the home

Nature Maid House Cleaning
www.naturemaidhousecleaning.com
734-945-8408

Forget about harsh chemicals to keep your home clean. Nature Maid House Cleaning uses only all-natural, eco-friendly products to make your home sparkle. They offer occasional, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly service to homes primarily in the Ann Arbor and Yspilanti areas. Using products like Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds, Seventh Generation, and Citra-Solv, they dust, vacuum, polish, wash, and wipe to get your home cleaner and “greener” than you thought possible.

for the yard

Nature & Nurture
www.natureandnurture.org
734-929-0802

Be eco-friendly to your greenery with Nature and Nurture, LLC, an organic landscaping business. From landscape design to maintenance, they help every step of the way in making your yard “green.” Nature and Nurture specializes in ecological restoration — including rain gardens, woodland gardens and lawn alternatives — and edible landscapes — vegetable gardens, herb gardens and fruit trees — that promote the consumption of locally-grown food. Workshops and classes are also available.

for your pet

Green Pawz Pet Supplies
211 S. Maple Rd.
734-222-9622
www.greenpawza2.com

Love your pets and love your earth with this independent shop. Co-owners Lisa Pearce and John Scherer strive to offer the best all-natural, eco-friendly products. From hemp corduroy collars, to pet beds made from recycled plastic bottles, to food free of soy, corn and wheat, Green Pawz has everything for your furry friend. Plus, many of the companies they support work to reduce manufacturing waste and donate a portion of their profits to environmental and social causes.

for your appetite

People’s Food Cooperative
216 North 4th Ave.
734-994-9174
www.peoplesfood.coop

Since 1971, Ann Arbor’s People’s Food Co-op has developed to provide locally-grown and locally-produced products, organic items, and fresh foods. The organization, owned by its members, promotes community and eco-friendliness through its commitment to local, organic and green products. Café Verde, the soup and salad bar and the hot bar make your trip a wholesome experience, while their educational programs in and outside of the store add to the community.

Salon Vertigo
212 South 4th Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-930-6656
www.salonvertigo.com

This downtown spa keeps you looking good while caring for the earth. They offer an extensive array of unique organic, plant-based, natural products. From Modern Organic Products’ (MOP) shampoos and conditioners, to Korres Natural Body Care from Greece, to toluene- and formaldehyde-free Zoya Natural Nail Care products, Salon Vertigo has you covered from head to toe, with eco-friendliness in mind.

Going green can be easy and fun! Here are some local organizations that can help you make a big impact with a small step.

ANN ARBOR PTO THRIFT SHOP
2280 S. Industrial
734-996-9155
www.a2ptothriftshop.org

AA PTO Thrift Shop truly goes full circle.  Community members donate functional to funky items, and everything from accessories to zebra print pumps come through the shop. 
Office supplies and paper bags are reused, cell phones are donated to overseas servicemen, and worn linens go to the Humane Society. All remaining items are sorted into AA recycling bins — the dumpster is the last alternative. Profits support AA PS student programs.

EcoTectonics
734-673-0013

We allow our customers to decide how sustainable they want to be, and achieve substantial carbon footprint reduction through merging unique environmental design solutions. We specialize in Architectural Sustainable Design (producing LEED accredited designs), Clean Energy (including solar panels, wind turbines and geo thermal systems) and Energy Analysis to determine the sustainability of your current or proposed structure. Reduce your carbon footprint with us!


Gross Electric
www.grosselectric.com
800-824-7268

Lighting accounts for approximately 20 percent of your home’s energy cost.  By changing the most frequently used lights to more efficient fluorescent versions can make a tremendous difference. A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) produces about four times the light for the same amount of energy as an incandescent bulb.  To find the CFL that will produce the same amount of light as your existing incandescent, divide the wattage by four.  For example, to replace a 100-watt incandescent, you need a 25-watt CFL.  However, CFLs are not ideal for all applications.   To make sure you’re choosing the right CFLs for your home, visit the experts at Gross Electric.

KIWANIS CLUB
200 S. First at Washington
www.aakiwanis.org

Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor’s Kiwanis Thrift Sale has been a green choice since 1927.  The sale promotes recycling in addition to helping charities in our community with proceeds from the sale. The sale is open Saturdays from 9am – noon and is located at the corner of Washington and First.  For more information, go to www.aakiwanis.org.

PREGITZER FARM MARKET
6870 Territorial Rd., Munith
517-769-2768
www.yourfarmmarket.com

Pregitzer Farm Market offers farm fresh locally grown produce, a Community Supported Agriculture program, fall farm entertainment, field trips, private parties, pumpkin patch hayrides, scenic wooded hayrides, straw climb, corn maze, petting farm, and more! Annual Melon & Sweet Corn Festival in August and a Pumpkin Festival in October.

The Green Panel
866-633-8553
www.thegreenpanel.com

The Green Panel is a fully integrated solar energy company helping clients develop long-term energy solutions. We offer a one vendor approach to engineer, furnish and install (EF&I) solar passive systems for tomorrow’s energy demands. With our national network of engineers, installers and warehousing facilities, we dedicate 100% of our effort towards helping you implement and maintain your alternative/renewable energy initiatives. Building relationships with solar energy is the foundation of our commitment to our customers.