Eco-friendly has been a common buzzword in recent years, but shoppers looking for truly "green" products have begun to look askance at some of the labels on corporate products at big box stores. The solution? How about a locally owned, globally sourced shop that specializes in ecologically sound housewares and other products?
That's what we have with Greenward, which has been open three years in Porter Square and recently moved out of the basement at 1776 Mass. Ave. to the spacious, street-level storefront at No. 1764. The shelves boast a mix of gardening supplies, kitchen gadgets, books, laptop accessories--even chocolate. Greenward defines "eco-modern products" as "elegantly designed, attractive, and functional," and also at least one of the following:
-made from recycled materials
-recyclable
-made from organic materials
-handmade
-made from sustainable materials
-energy efficient
-biodegradable
-educational
One great reason to drop by the store: they recycle compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) at no charge. Just drop them in the bins by the front door. We chatted with co-owner and store manager Scott Walker about the store's green mission.
Porter Square Examiner: What's unique about Greenward?
Scott Walker: We are the only local business selling exclusively eco-friendly goods.
PSE: What do you like about the Porter Square area?
SW: Our stretch between Porter and Harvard Square seems to be one of the last holdouts of small, independent retail shops in the area.
PSE: You opened just as the down economy was hitting. Has it been tough?
SW: The economy has been in recession pretty much the entire time we have been in business, so it's hard for us to gauge the effect on business. So far, though, every year has been significantly better than the previous, and we are hoping to continue that this year. 2010 has been a bit slower so far than 2009 up to this point, but as you know we were behind scaffolding for the first three months of the year, which certainly didn't help.
PSE: Who are your typical customers?
SW: Our biggest demographic cohort is probably women in their 30s, but we cater to all types of people at Greenward, and we try to stock a variety of items in the store so that we have something interesting and affordable to everyone.
PSE: If you could change one thing about Porter Square, what would it be?
SW: Change the design of Mass Ave. to make the traffic move more slowly and create a safer, more enjoyable environment for pedestrians and bicyclists.
PSE: What do you think people like best about shopping at Greenward?
SW: I think even our regular customers find something new every time they visit. People also appreciate our store's mission to sell environmentally friendly products and to run a sustainable business.
Business name: Greenward LLC
Address: 1764 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: 617-395-1338
Website: http://www.greenwardshop.com
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 11am–6pm
Thursday: 11am-8pm
Sunday: 12pm–5pm
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