Be Eco-Friendly and Shop at These Green Seattle Businesses

Hop aboard one of the environmental-friendly light rail trams in Seattle and head to one of these green establishments.

One way to make a positive impact on the Earth and in our everyday lives is by going green. We know the three Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle – but building a sustainable planet goes beyond that. Using organic products, turning down/up the thermostat and being more aware of our routine are three ways to start. Another simple step for going green is changing your routine and visit one (or all) of these eco-friendly spots in Seattle.

Farmers Markets
Not only will you be supporting local farmers, but the food you’re purchasing is some of the freshest produce around.

• Sunset Hill Green Market – Packed with delicious local offerings, the Green Market is the place to go for homemade pasta, fresh bread and local organic produce. 6405 32^nd Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98107
• Ballard Sunday Farmers Market – The bright colors will catch your eye, but the fresh produce and sweet eats will keep you coming back. The market offers lots of raw organic products. Spend a few hours of your Sunday here to experience the ambiance, which includes street performers, friendly neighbors and the Ballard neighborhood. Ballard Avenue at 22^nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98107

Salons and Spas
Going green for salons is more than just swapping out a few products; it’s about adopting a lifestyle that makes good business sense, as well as creating a system that the entire salon can follow. And these Seattle salons and spas are adopting this idea quickly.

• Elaia – Located in Seattle’s first LEED-certified hotel, Olive 8, Elaia is dedicated to eco-friendly practices. Their signature Market Fresh experiences feature ingredients grown locally in the Pacific Northwest. 1635 8^th Ave., Seattle, WA 98101
• Mode – Serving the Seattle area for more than 10 years, Mode has been recognized as Best of the Decade: Beauty by Seattle Magazine. The building that houses Mode is LEED Silver-certified, and the supplies used for services are recycled and/or composted wherever possible. Additionally, the products they use at Mode contain natural and organic ingredients, and the hair color is free of ammonia, resorcinol and other harsh chemicals. 1424 4th Ave., Suite 415, Seattle, WA 98101

Retail Stores
From scarves made from recycled cashmere sweaters to running shoes featuring biodegradable midsoles, Seattle’s retail stores are accommodating its green-minded shoppers.

• REI – As an outdoor adventure supply company, REI holds an interest in keeping the environment pristine. It has reduced its paper usage and recycles at least 85 percent of its waste. REI has set a lofty goal to send zero waste to landfills by 2020, and they continue to work to reduce its footprint on the environment. 222 Yale Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109
• Nordstrom – This department store may not cross your mind as being eco-friendly, but the retailer works with vendors to broaden its eco-friendly fashion selection. Its private label increased its organic cotton usage by 40 percent from 2008 to 2009. 500 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101