GREEN BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

GreenSmartGifts Announces New Online Store

Mary Evans returned after volunteering in Guatemala determined to make a living while making a difference.Evans, a former executive in the financial services industry, started GreenSmartGifts, an earth-friendly gift shop which opened in Lakewood in May 2008. GreenSmartGifts not only sells "green" products but also helps to educate consumers about sustainable living.


Necklace by Kimberly Monaco Designs. Kimberly’s Cleveland Rocks line of jewelry are unique, one-of-a-kind creations made from beach glass, stones and other found objects collected on the south shore of Lake Erie. Pictured above: black sandstone and red beach glass with curtain chain.	Bottle cheese tray with grapes and beaded knife by From the Blue Bag. All of these trays are made from recycled bottles. You can put these trays in the freezer or in the oven.


Recycled Bike Chain Picture Frames have been praised by critics from coast to coast. Made from recycled bicycle chain with an easel back/stand.	Willow + Vine’s pure soy candles offer beautiful, fragrant scents with natural ingredients and lead-free wicks. The glass containers can be recycled for additional uses such as drinking glasses, and home or office containers

GreenSmartGifts now offers a new, easier way to shop. Customers can now make purchases at www.greensmartgifts.com via an online shopping cart. All major credit cards are accepted. Most of the hundreds of products available in the store can now be purchased online. In keeping with the GreenSmartGifts philosophy to live green and give green, products will be shipped to customers in reused packaging, unless requested otherwise. Many of the suppliers will even ship directly to customers to avoid shipping twice, thus reducing harmful emissions.

"I love to meet my customers face to face, but I know that time is precious for everyone," Evans said. "The online shopping feature allows patrons to shop from their computers, and have their items shipped directly to their homes or to gift recipients. The online store also allows GreenSmartGifts to extend our reach nationally."

GreenSmartGifts, at 14534 Detroit Ave., offers a variety of goods including non-toxic bath and body products, soy and beeswax candles, indoor gardens, wooden toys, home accessories made of recycled products, organic cotton baby clothing and a variety of shopping totes. The "green" gift shop also carries an eclectic collection of jewelry made of sustainable products, all made by local artists. There is a "100 percent to charity" line, where all proceeds benefit various charities including Transitional Housing Inc. and the Amani Children’s Foundation.

Evans encourages customers to browse the website and provide feedback. "I want the online store to be as user-friendly as possible, so I really welcome feedback from anyone visiting the site," Evans said. "I also welcome suggestions for other products that we should carry."

For more information, visit www.greensmartgifts.com or call 216-712-7980.