Greenheart

Greenheart is a non-profit eco-friendly, fair trade business that sells very unique things at the shop located on Division St. in Chicago.  Most of the food products (coffees, teas, and such) are organic and/or fair trade.  They also sell clothing, accessories, and decor that are eco-friendly and fair trade.


For those of you who don't know, fair trade is aimed to empower the poor by using trade that is fair (Get it?? Fair trade??).  It helps producers who are not receiving the pay and benefits that they are earning for their hard work by providing them with those needed things.  The World Fair Trade Organization states the following that I think sums up fair trade well:
Fair Trade is more than just trading: it proves that greater justice in world trade is possible. It highlights the need for change in the rules and practice of conventional trade and shows how a successful business can also put people first (http://www.wfto.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1331&Itemid=293).


Greenheart products are made all over the world by people who are being paid fair wages.  This is helping  people around the world  to support themselves.  I have purchased some great gifts for others (and myself) from Greenheart.  During the holidays, I purchased some very unique ornaments for ornament exchanges.  I bought and sampled at the store some of the organic or fair trade coffees.  They have some coffees that are roasted locally (http://www.bridgeportcoffeecompany.com/).  Although the clothing is kind of expensive, most of the other things that are sold at Greenheart are very reasonably priced.  Something that you need to consider is why the clothing costs more than the big box stores.  They are hand made, mostly fair trade, and quality products.  Is that worth paying more for??  

Cute Yeti Ornament

Cute Owl Ornaments

They also have events at Greenheart.  They have Ladies Night with shopping and different focuses (sometimes beauty, sometimes health, sometimes wine, etc.).  My husband and I went to an event over the summer about coffee.  They had the owner of the coffee farm and the roaster at Bridgeport talking about their relationship and how/why they do business with Greenheart.  It was really interesting with lots of good coffee and sweets.



Has anyone ever been to Greenheart?  If so, what do you think about it?  If not, you should check it out at 1911 W Division St or at http://www.greenheartshop.org/. St

One of my favorite decorations sold at
Greenheart.  Made it Haiti using recycled
metals.