New York - April 22, 2009

Earth to Shopper

Spring 2009 Green Guide

Does everyone’s seemingly exhaustive knowledge of biofuels, mining, ecoterrorism, ag policy, air pollution, and carbon sequestration make you feel like a Styrofoam-eating alien on a tinfoil planet?

Luckily, these green hotspots do not exist in a galaxy far, far away.

Green in Bklyn (432 Myrtle Avenue, Clinton Hill; 718-855-4383), a business plan-turned-reality that was runner-up in the 2008 Brooklyn Public Library PowerUp competition, is hosting its opening party today. The one-stop shop carries all the supplies you need to run a green household, from baby diapers to organic linens to locally made pet goods. Likewise, NYC’s first Green Depot (222 Bowery; 212-226-0444) has bamboo countertops, natural linoleums, biodegradable packing peanuts, foldable solar chargers, even pencils made from recycled newspaper.

The stars are aligning: NYC’s elusive spa maven, Cygalle Dias, has finally launched her online shop, where 100 percent organic products like honey oatmeal cleansing cream, whipped basil moisture cream, and our favorite orange facial tonic (along with serums, masques, and moisturizers) are made to order. (Now if only she would open permanent spa digs in the city.)

The new Slate Clean Home (cleanhome@slatenyc.com) offers hassle-free, price-fixed services (ex: $59 for a studio) with easy scheduling and extra perks at no additional cost (they’ll stock the shelves with Method toiletries and turn down your bed). Choose the chores you want covered from session to session — mopping the bathroom floor, cleaning out the refrigerator, putting clean clothes away. Between scrubbings, leave out a new chemical-free bamboo and coal deodorizer that regenerates in the sun.

One small step for man, one green leap for mankind.