Jan 1, 2008

Can green retailers get into the black?By Martin MoylanMinnesota.PublicRadio.org

Minneapolis — When Christine Hanwick of Minneapolis went shopping for a gift for her mother recently, Hanwick knew her options were limited. That is because Hanwick was looking for something most retailers cannot sell her.

Something “sustainable,” she says, “that’s going to leave a smaller carbon footprint.”

Hanwick found her way to Twin Cities Green on Hennepin Avenue South in Minneapolis. The store offers a wide array of recycled, reclaimed and otherwise earth-friendly products: hats and mittens made from old sweaters, lamp shades created from discarded licenses plates, and the store’s top seller — toilet tissue made from 100 percent recycled paper.

Hanwick bought her mom a hat and pin for about $20, and felt she got a good deal.

“I think they’re very reasonable in terms of prices,” she says. “And there are some really great products here. There are hats, children’s goods, furniture, cleaning supplies, lots of neat things.”

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