EcoManiacs the First Green Certified Business in Chicago Area

EcoManiacs opened in La Grange in December 2012, but even before that the eco-friendly store was trying to become the first green certified business in the area. 

On Friday, the store celebrated its "green" grand opening and its recent certification through the Illinois Green Business Association. EcoManiacs is the first Chicago-area business to be green certified, IGBA certification manager Ryan Wolber said.  

"We want to create a new standard of business function in Illinois," he said. "Green business is good business." 

What does it mean to be green certified? Businesses must assess their practices and implement green standards in a number of areas, including water and energy conservation, waste manager and lots more. 

EcoManiacs carries organic, recycled merchandise, or things that are sustainable and fair trade or socially conscious. The focus is on early childhood toys and books, but there's a lot for adults to, including clothing and candles.

Owner Leah Kroger said starting the certification process before opening in La Grange was a big help. It allowed them to pick out the right kind of carpeting, computers and select vendors more carefully. 

"It set the tone and path for us and brought a higher level of awareness to the things we were doing," she said. 

The grand opening celebration will continue through Friday and Saturday this weekend. There's live music, giveaways and more. Food will be provided by Prasino, Q BBQ, The Hot Dog Company and DiNico's Pizza. 

Several toy vendors will also be present, as is Charlotte Clary, who was seen on ABC's Shark Tank for her Ice Chips product. 

Fall candles are also 20 percent for this weekend only, and customers who donate to The Hope Chest will receive a discount of 10-15 percent off their purchase. 

Read all about EcoManiacs here: "EcoManiacs a Family Business for the Whole Family"