green guide 2010

100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2010 // green guide 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS10 Simple changes ................................ 5

Green heroes and villans ...................... 6

Recycling matters .................................. 8

Home green home .............................. 10

The urban cyclist ................................. 12

Local food and drink .......................... 15

Shopping local ..................................... 18

Good green reads ............................... 20

Best of the green web ........................ 22

Index ..................................................... 23

WELCOME TO THE 2010 NUVO GREEN GUIDE!Believe it or not, this is our favorite of the CityGuide series – the one where we get to let our inner-treehugger dictate the editorial con-tent and implore you, our friends and neighbors, to live a more earth-friendly lifestyle.

You can go big or go small, but the important thing with going green is to simply go! Making the decision to simply be more aware and decide to consume less, waste less, recycle more and use local resources whenever possible. These simple changes can make a huge difference.

We’re letting the definition of “green” be a tad ambiguous in this guide, intentionally. We know that there is a rather wide gap between those who are eco-conscious and those who are eco-committed. Our goal is to provide something for everyone –from the beginner to the expert and everyone in between. And while the skeptics and pessimists will say it’s all for naught, we believe all these little and big changes collec-tively add up to improvement (and, hopefully, enlightenment).

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about climate change, renewable energy and even recycling. Part of what we’ve tried to do in this guide is point you to the most reliable and respected resources for finding out the truth yourself, and/or joining with allies and activists who, once armed with the facts, dedicate them-selves to creating change. We’ve also tried to provide a few suggestions for where to do your everyday drinking, eating and shopping with local vendors who’ve made the commitment to using renewable, sustainable, local, fair-trade and organic products whenever possible.

There’s a lot to celebrate this Earth Day, but there’s a lot of work to do as well. We hope you’ll join us for both!

And in the meantime, if you know of a green business or vendor we’ve overlooked in this year’s Green CityGuide drop us a line at [email protected]. We’d love to hear more about them!

UP NEXT:Summer FunMay 26, 2010

NIGHTLIFE GUIDE 2010Publisher: Kevin McKinney//[email protected]

Editor: Laura McPhee//[email protected]

Managing Editor: Jim Poyser//[email protected]

Arts Editor: David Hoppe//[email protected]

Music Editor: Scott Shoger//[email protected]

Calendar assistant: Christina Lear//[email protected]

Editorial contributor: Christopher Newgent//[email protected]

Layout and Design: Emily Rose//[email protected]

Photography: Kris Arnold, Joh Blair, Jennifer Litz, Laura McPhee, Stephen Simonetto and Mariah White

Production Manager: Melissa Carter//[email protected]

Distribution Manager: Christa Phelps//[email protected]

Promotions Manager: Sarah Myer//[email protected]

Director of Sales and Marketing: Josh Schuler//[email protected]

Business Manager: Kathy Flahavin//[email protected] Contracts Administrator: Sara Landis//[email protected]

GOT QUESTIONS, COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THIS OR OTHER NUVO CITYGUIDES?

Send them to [email protected]

MAILING ADDRESS: 3951 N. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46208

TELEPHONE: (317)254-2400 FAX: (317)254-2405

WEB: www.www.nuvo.net E-MAIL: [email protected]

EDITORIAL POLICY: NUVO Newsweek-ly covers news, public issues, arts and entertainment. We publish views from across the political and social spectra. They do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

MANUSCRIPTS: NUVO welcomes manuscripts. We assume no respon-sibility for returning manuscripts not accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

DISTRIBUTION: The current issue of NUVO is free. Past issues are at the NUVO office for $3 if you come in, $4.50 mailed. NUVO is available every Wednesday at over 1,000 locations in

the metropolitan area. Limit one copy per customer.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: NUVO Newsweekly is published weekly for $52 per year by NUVO Inc., 3951 N. Meridian St., suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Pe-riodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, ISSN #1086-461x.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NUVO, inc., 3951 N. Meridian St., suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46208.

Copyright ©2010 by NUVO, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission, by any method what-soever, is prohibited. ISSN #1086-461X

4 green guide // 2010 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER


Shop localEvery single guide we put out — hell, every issue of NUVO —

we keep harping on this, but is there any better example of buying local than trying to be a better steward of the earth? Not only does supporting the local keep resources in the local economy, but you KNOW where your stuff is coming from, whether it’s the local farmer, artisan or restaurateur. You know whom to praise if it’s good, and whom to take it back to if you have a beef. It’s the Golden Rule, redux: buy from others so that they will buy from you.

Divorce Your CarAll right, you didn’t marry your car, but you sure seem

oddly attached to it. In fact, you might feel closer to your car than your spouse or partner. Strange, indeed. Divorce Your Car is actually the name of a book by Katie Alvard about liberating yourself from your addiction to automobile culture. There are a lot of ways you can reduce your fuel costs and carbon emissions by loosening up your relationship with your car: taking public transportation, carpooling, bicycling or walking. We’ll cover this elsewhere in the Green Guide, but this is a key strategy to befriending the environment. Start thinking of your car as evil! A bunny boiler!

Grow your own foodNow’s a great time to get started, too! Or, maybe last

week or the week before. But, don’t panic. You CAN get started on this right away with a shovel and some seeds and a nice afternoon. Growing your own

food gets you in touch with the earth on a, ahem, ground level. Not only do you get a sense of how all this nature stuff works, you get to eat it, too! If you don’t have a yard worth tilling, plenty of neighborhoods have a community garden you can join. And what better way to get to know your neighbors…

Meet your neighborsNothing better than meeting your neighbors when it comes to improving our relationships with

the earth. Everything we’ve talked about thus far can be facilitated or enhanced by working together, whether gardening, carpooling, sharing your tools (no way am I gonna lend out my shovel!). Okay, it’s touchy, we know, but if you don’t want to meet your neighbors, then find your tribe, because you are going to need each other as our lives grow increasingly challenged by climate change.

Reduce your energy useWhether it’s burning fuel for transportation, running your furnace or air conditioner at ridiculous levels, or using

electricity for lights and computers and televisions, you can reduce your energy use. You can “use less,” by reducing how much you depend on these creaturely comforts, and/or replacing existing appliances with more efficient ones. More on this elsewhere in guide. Mostly, though, you want to get away from supporting Indiana’s coal-generated power, because it is ruining your world.

Stop buying bottled waterWe single this out from the “Don’t buy so much crap” tip,

‘cause jeez louise is there anything more

inane than bottled water? First off, there are no regulations on what’s inside it, so for all you know it’s WAY more toxic than your tap water. Plus, it’s about 2,000 times more expensive. Then, what do you do with the friggin’ bottle? You throw it away, and lots of time it ends up floating around in the now North America-sized great garbage island in the Pacific. Seriously, stop buying bottled water! See: The Story of Bottled Water by Annie Leonard: www.storyofstuff.org.

Stop buying so much crapAt the Value World at 52nd and College, somebody has scrawled on the one of the shelves:

“Dorothy, you don’t need it.” We love that! And so we take that to heart when we go shopping: If we don’t need it, then we don’t buy it. Of course, buying someone’s discarded crap is far better for the earth than buying something new. Auctions, yard sales, thrift stores, dumpster diving, the “reuse” movement is alive and thriving in the grass roots community. In fact, there’s a whole movement dedicated to this; http://freegan.info; and keep an eye out for the Really Really Free Market at Earth House (www.earthhousecollective.org).

Stop dumping chemicals into the earth That means stop buying in

the first place. Read the label, dude, if it’s got a lot of syllables, it’s probably a problem. If you sniff it and your nose falls off, ditto. Everything we do results in an emission of some kind, whether it’s throwing our waste away, or pissing Prozac into the groundwater. So. Pay attention to what your bringing into your house and into your body, because

what doesn’t get stored in your fatty tissues (like PCBSs), will find its way into the soil, air and water.

Stop (or slow) eating meatThe land necessary to raise animals for slaughter makes for one of the biggest impacts

on global warming. Ergo, the less eat you meat, the better for the earth, so if you can’t go all veggie, at least reduce your meat consumption; and, whenever possible, purchase meat from a local purveyor who knows the animals are free range. There’s other protein in them thar hills. Sadly, so much of our meat comes from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, and in addition to adding to global warming, CAFOs also devastate the local environment with manure run-off and noxious smells. Here’s a great resource to learn more: /www.goveg.com/environment.asp.

Don’t take it personally Sure, the planet is dying and you’ve spent your life

drag racing your Hummer and guzzling beer made overseas that logged thousands of miles to get down your throat, and you’re feeling just a wee bit guilty. Don’t. Guilt just adds to the carbon load of the planet. Don’t take the collapse of the planet personally. You were only doing what you were told: consume, throw away, then consume more. Nobody said it wouldn’t last forever. Now that you know that, you’ve got your Green Guide and make some changes. Start small, grow big. You’ll be glad you did.

Think green: 10 simple ways to reduce your footprint


Green heroes and villains

10 GOOD GUYS

CAFOwatchThis statewide activist organization is doing what its name says: watching

CAFOs. Well, they aren’t just watching them, they’re fighting back. Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations are cramming millions of animals — poultry, swine, cows — into small buildings, fouling the local environment, increasing antibiotic resistance, while creating a horrific existence for the creatures. Methane bubbles hover over manure pits, threatening to burst, while Indiana’s rural roads are torn apart by trucks hauling crap to giant crap-fields. Sounds nightmarish enough, eh? Well, try living next to one. It’ll literally make you sick. www.indianacafowatch.com.

CICSNUVO recently joined the Central Indiana Commuter Services,

which helped us become part of the Green Business Initiative by the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. CICS is all about reducing air pollution and traffic density in the city through a variety of programs including carpooling, vanpooling and other options that promote commuting opportunities for employees. Besides, what better way to meet people in your neighborhood than to carpool to work with them? Don’t worry, CICS offers an “Emergency Ride Home” service in case something goes wrong, like a sick kid. www.327ride.net

CILTICentral Indiana Land Trust Incorporated is putting their

money where their mouth is — or, we mean putting their land where your money is. That’s right: CILTI literally buys up land all over central Indiana, in one of the clearest, most inspiring acts of conservation imaginable. They are stopping the sprawl of overdevelopment and McMansion proliferation by securing acres of natural growth. Through protection partnerships, conservation agreements and nature preserves, sometimes the amount of acres is small; sometimes it reaches triple digits. Every little bit helps. www.conservingindiana.org.

Earth Charter IndianaTheir mission: “catalyzing mainstream living throughout

Indiana.” Sounds like ours! With relationships with the Earth Charter International and Earth Charter U.S., our local chapter has launched the Sustainable Indiana 2016 project, an ambitious effort designed to create a balance between people, industry and nature. Why 2016? Because it’s Indiana’s bicentennial, a laudable goal for a state mired in last place in most categories regarding the

environment and human health. Active in the community, their numerous projects in 2009 included Spirit and Place and Food Independence Day. www.earthcharterindiana.org.

Friends of White RiverThe White River needs all the friends it can get. It’s gotten a bad

rap for a couple hundred years now, from the fact that it’s basically non-navigable, to its current, antiquated combined sewer overflow system that dumps human sewage into the river every time it rains. Despite the fact that the White River drains all or part of 40 Indiana counties, it’s still the forgotten river, subject to pollution and neglect. Friends of White River strives to change that, through education, events and loving care. Don’t miss the opportunity to join in the next river clean up. www.friendsofwhiteriver.org

Health By DesignThis local organization deals with human health issues from

the standpoint of how sedentary we’ve become. As they put it, our “physical activity has been engineered out of many parts of American life.” Health By Design advocates for improvement of our built environment as a means of encouraging healthier exercise and connection to the community. This organization seeks to reduce our dependency on automobiles, which you’ll notice is a bit of a motif in our guide. www.healthbydesignonline.org.

Hoosier Environmental CouncilThis organization, that shares a building with NUVO, is geared

toward reducing “the carbon footprint of industry, commerce and agriculture on the environment.” They do so in a variety of ways, including educating the public through their various public forums and programming, as well as using the Statehouse as a platform to try and effect change politically — which surely must be one of the most onerous tasks of all. Led by Jesse Kharbanda, the almost 30-year-old HEC is the state’s largest environmental organization, and they are in a constant process of pushing for sustainability in our communities, while watching over the air, water and soil. www.hecweb.org.

IndyGoThey’ve got a bad rap over the years, and — refreshingly —

they admit it. A new member of the Green Business Initiative by the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, IndyGo was also recently honored as one of 15 finalists in the inaugural Indianapolis Sustainability Awards. They’re helping YOU go greener by providing public transportation with their nifty new “Trip Planner” mapping device, but also working on greening beyond that through bicycle racks on the buses, solar lighting at bus stops, plus vehicles that run on alternative fuels. IndyGo is making riding the bus easier, greener — and hipper. www.indygo.net.

IRCThe Indiana Recycling Coalition is a statewide organization dedicated

to education and legislative reform about all-things-recycling. Sound sexy? You betcha! Want to make Indiana greener, reduce the carbon footprint and feel good about yourself? If so, then recycle, because whatever you don’t recycle ends up in landfills, streams and ditches and imperils wildlife. Not to mention uglyfying the landscape. IRC’s e.Scrap Action program targets electronic waste as a major waste management priority, and a year long assessment of e.scrap problems resulted in a “toolkit,” downloadable from their web site. Plus, their annual conference brings in all the recycling potentates from around the state. This year’s conference is May 4-6. www.indianarecycling.org.

Keep Indianapolis BeautifulThis organization, housed in one

of the greenest buildings in the city (LEED Gold), gathers the volunteer power of tens of thousands each year to make our city a better, more environmentally-friendly place. From their neighborhood clean-ups, to creating pocket parks and other green spaces, to planting forests of trees each year, KIB makes a big difference in Indy. Their Neighborwoods program alone hopes to accomplish planting 100,000 trees by 2017. www.kibi.org.

10 NOT-SO-GOOD GUYS

Airborne pollutants from carsIndiana (cough) is sixth worst in the nation when (cough cough) it

comes to road density and anybody who’s tried to drive anywhere (cough) knows that you might as well take up macramé what with all the waiting you have to do in (cough cough) gridlock. Individuals driving individual cars are creating collective havoc, creating air pollution that compromises lung function (cough cough cough). Moreover more cars means more roads which means our scrilla from the government goes to building roads instead of more sensible things like paying teachers and nurses better salaries. Oh, and journalists, too! The American Lung Association keeps a general score card: www.stateoftheair.org.

CAFOsConcentrated Animal Feeding Operations.... come up again

and again in our regular coverage and we can’t emphasize enough that CAFOs, on every level, are problematic. We know CAFOs are feeding meat to a lot of people, cheaply, but at the cost of the environment, the animals themselves, while increasing the chance of virulent disease spread. Some of us here at NUVO are veggies, some are not; those of us who are not tend to know where their meat is coming from. Free range, non-

Bad moon rising: the Alcoa complex in Warrick County.


antibiotic (except in case of treating sick animals), generally humane. Find out more: Ask your server, butcher, whomever, Where does this meat come from? www.indianacafowatch.com.

Climate skepticsYou know who we mean. Maybe it’s even you. Maybe you think

you’re in the know because you’ve read a few blogs here and there and you believe you know more than the 90 percent of climate scientists who believe global warming is real and human-generated. Or, maybe you’re secretly funded by the American Petroleum Institute or, hell, maybe CAA (Coal Assholes of America — okay, we made that up). Or, maybe you fancy you have an open mind, and are eager to learn. So do so. But read real science, not garbage. You can email [email protected] and we’ll connect you to whatever you want to know, including putting this whole “Climategate” brouhaha to rest.

Coal-fired plantsNinety six percent of our electricity comes from coal-fired plants,

and these giant pollution emitters are the devils of our planet. Of course they are angels, on a short-term basis, as coal is easily extractable and cheap. But from the destruction wrought in mining the coal, to its toxic chemical emissions, to the greenhouse gasses spewed into the air, coal-fired plants are ruining the planet. Clear-thinking climate scientists like James Hansen thinks we need to shut coal-fired plants down now, but hey, how we gonna light our homes and fuel our electric cars? One local organization dedicated to fighting coal-fired plants is valleywatch.net.

EvolutionNo, we’re not Creationists, but we do worry that human beings are

hard-wired by evolution to basically not think out over multiple generations. We evolved from short-term thinking hominids to, oh, one season ahead thinking (storing food for the winter), but how much have we evolved after that? Renowned climate scientist James Lovelock (Gaia hypothesis) basically believes humans are too stupid to change in the short time we have to act to profoundly reduce our carbon emissions. Maybe he’s right? We either have to slow waaaaaay down or speed waaaaaay up and it looks like we’re headed toward the latter, hellbent and slouching towards the Apocalypse, turning as Yeats would say, “in the widening gyre.”

LitterIn ye olden days of the early 70s we grew up watching a Native American (Iron Eyes Cody) shed a

tear over Americans’ mindless ways. Now we know that our litter is not just unsightly, it ruins the planet and kills animals. Plastic (not just water bottles) is everywhere, hazardous due to bisphenol-A, and dangerous to animals who might ingest it. Styrofoam, as we know, will likely outlast us. More than 4.5 trillion cigarette butts find their way into the environment each year. We are bitter about litter!

Politicians who put environment lastTopping the list of “villains” is

any politician who consistently puts the environment last in their determination of what’s important. We hear it all the time, about how the “economy comes first” but that’s from politicians who should be wise enough to know how dire our environmental circumstances are, and how there won’t be an economy at all as our environment collapses. Want to get personal? Let’s call out Mitch Daniels, who consistently favors industry over environment, whether it’s acknowledging global warming, trying to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan, or regulating anything, when it comes to coal-fired plants or CAFOs. Sorry, but we’re not seeing any real leadership from our Senators, Bayh and Lugar on this score.

Unrelenting lightWho decided we had to leave the lights on, everywhere, all night

long? Sure, in certain areas of the city, security lighting can decrease crime, but we are largely a culture inculcated into a stupifying state of fear. A little darkness never hurt anyone! But constant light — security lights, street lights — is a drain on energy, creates carbon emissions, and confuses the hell out of animals who are not accustomed to such insanity. Pity the poor trees and other living things that must live under the scrutiny of light. And don’t even get us started on the stupidity of businesses leaving their lights on all night long. Everybody ends paying for that. One local organization working on this issue is lightsoutindy.org.

WasteWaste is the killer. Waste wastes money. Wastes creates carbon.

Waste creates pollution. Waste is stupid. Our parents and grandparents and great grandparents all knew this. We are the generation of waste and it is ruining the planet. And it’s costing you money, bigtime (see our “green your home” section). The disposable mentality of our consumer culture encourages waste. Embrace the waste, our culture seems to say. Twin Towers get bombed, go shopping! Feeling bad about yourself, go buy crap! And then… throw it away. So here’s the bi-partisan clarion cry you can spread: Stop the waste.

You (us)Are we at NUVO doing ALL these green initiatives? Hells

no. But we are trying, and you can, too. Here’s the deal, we’re all in this together, right? It’s our planet and we’re all failing to be the best possible stewards we can be. So. Pick one or two things to be good at and stick to it. Then add on another … and another … In the process, you become a good example for your neighbor who might start her own initiative to garden, or bike to work or start carpooling or whatever. Join a community garden or Sierra Club or Nature Conservancy or... But join in.


AbitibiWhat a strange, exotic name, eh? Sounds like it would open a magic

wall in a mountain or something. No, Abitibi is another recycling service, this one more geared toward businesses. Like the “Drop off” containers, you see Abitibi dumpsters everywhere, but your business can get an Abitibi container and you can actually make money from the recyclables you place in it. It’s magic after all! Abitibi — AKA Paper Retriever — can be a good option for your business, especially if you don’t have a lot of glass to worry about. www.paperretriever.com

Citizen’s Transfer StationAs part of your normal trash service, you can put out the occasional

couch or large appliance — they say only two a month, but you have to wonder at the speed the trash dudes work, whether they’re keeping notes or not. Regardless, if you have a LOT of giant crap like couches, stoves, etc. you can drop them off nearly any Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Marion County Citizens’ Transfer Station located at 2700 S. Belmont Ave. It’s $2 a car load or $5 bucks a truckload — cheap for getting it out of your yard so your neighbors don’t think they live next to crackheads. For more info www.sustainindy.org/citizens-transfer-statio.cfm.

E-wasteHoo-boy. What a pickle. E-waste. Society tells you to exchange your

Playstations and TVs and CD players and computers and on and on for the newest-fangled version, but then that leaves you with an old unit filled with hazardous materials. We’ve all heard how they haul them overseas and children in developing nations take them apart and grow ill from the toxins. Tragic. So what to do?

Lots to do. Toxdrop (see below) can also take on your electronic waste, so for a comprehensive list of locations and times, www.sustainindy.org/ecycle.cfm.

E-waste, reduxRush Hour Recycling, from our aforementioned friends at Green

Piece Indy has been offering numerous opportunities to drop off all sorts of odd and awkward refuse, by driving up and dumping at their shifting locations. E-waste is a very popular item, we hear tell, so keep up with their services at: greenpieceindy.com. One of our favorite places to take our e-scrap is Goldsmith Group. You can drop off your e-waste to them or they can come pick up your materials; either way they dispose of your hazardous waste in a most environmentally-sound manner. www.goldsmithgroup.com.

E-waste, re-reduxSorry to go on and on about this, but look: We are nerds and into

computers and TVs and videogames, so we are particularly interested in e-waste. We are also into really amazing organizations that serve a social justice function while making the planet safer from pollution. That’s why we’re calling out Workforce, Inc., an Indianapolis shop that employs convicted felons through their Recycle Force electronic waste recycling company to take your discarded electronics apart and dispose of them properly. Now that’s what they call a win-win situation. www.work-force-inc.com

Recycle Indianapolis ‘Drop-Off’ containersYou’re driving around with a trunk

full of bottles from your partying the night before. It’s added weight to your car and it’s reducing your gas mileage. There,

Recycling matters: 10 tips

STOPthrowing it away!

The Habitat ReStore needs your new and used surplus materials.Open to the public, the Habitat ReStore is Indianapolis’ only home improvement outlet store that directs all profi ts to building homes for families in need. ReStore diverts millions of pounds of products

from reaching the landfi ll. We accept and resell (at a discount):

Call us at 921-2121Call ext: 189 to schedule a pick-up

Call ext: 211 for general informationWed.-Fri. 10-6 | Sat 9-2

1011 E. 22nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

www.indyhabitat.org

AppliancesCabinets

FurnitureDoors

Flooring...and more

OPENTO THE PUBLIC

The EcoRewards service through Abitibi can put cash into your company’s coffers.


looming before you like an oasis is a Recycle Indianapolis ‘Drop-Off’ container, sitting in a parking lot. Behold! You pull in and back up and before you know your car is lighter than air. Sound like a fantasy? Think again, it’s real. These containers take glass, #1 and #2 plastics, aluminum, tin, and steel beverage and food cans, empty aerosol cans, newspapers and magazines. For a list of locations www.sustainindy.org/drop-off-locations.cfm

Republic Waste ServicesOkay, you don’t want to drive around with your

recyclables, in part because it’s kind of contradictory, to be burnin’ carbons looking for a place to dump your recyclables, so you can sign up for a curbside program for a nominal fee. Contact Republic Waste Services at (317) 917-7300 and they will show up with a giant blue container on

wheels. No, don’t put the kids in it and play around. Instead, put pretty much everything in it that is not organic (or ewaste or Styrofoam, see below). Every two weeks a dinosaur-looking truck comes and empties it for you and presto! you are ready to fill it again. For a full list of their services, see: www.republicservices.com. There’s also Ray’s Trash Service, who also offers residential (and other) options. You can be a good consumer and check them out at: www.raystrash.com.

StyrofoamA search via multiple sites in Indianapolis reveals only one

option, Createc, and that’s only for “clean, rigid, white molded Styrofoam only” (i.e. electronics packaging material). Createc’s drop off site is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at 6835 N. Guion Road. For more on them: www.recycleindyeps.com. But let’s get real. If you’re getting Styrofoam from a restaurant or convenience store, stop doing it! Encourage the owner to get a compostable cup or take-out box, or schlep your stainless steel container with you wherever you go. Styrofoam’s a bitch.

ToxdropNo, that’s not the name of some new, exotic candy that will sooth

your sore throat. Toxdrop is the service offered by the City through the mayor’s Office of Sustainability where you can load up your CFLs, paint cans and fire extinguishers and antifreeze and lead acid batteries and thermometers and gasoline and unwanted spouses. We made up that last part to see if you were paying attention. In short, takes on all the yucky stuff. For a list of all the toxic crap they take, along with locations, dates and events, www.sustainindy.org/toxdrop.cfm.

YardwasteApproximately 20 percent of the solid waste in landfills is

yard waste. Incredible, isn’t it? Well, it’s hard to burn in the city limits at least. And what do you do with all those grass clippings? We humbly suggest you take your yard waste to GreenCycle’s various locations, to dispose of your yard waste responsibly. GreenCycle has been keep this waste out of landfills for almost 20 years, and they also accept pallets and grind the pallets up with the tree trimmings, brush and clean wood into a mulch for use in playgrounds, making children safer. Cue orchestra! Check them out and their multiple locations www.greencycle.net.

Downtown1 N. Pennsylvania St.

Indianapolis, IN317-829-7482

North2902 West 86th St.

Indianapolis317-872-7482

Easy on-line ordering at:www.pitapitusa.com

Customize any one of our lean meat selections with one of our 15 diff erent, fresh veggie options, 6 cheeses, or 23 diff erent sauces.

Vegetarian and Vegan friendly.

Renee Sweaney (right) runs the Rush Hour Recycling effort.


A clotheslineOkay, we know, this sounds simple, but look: Your dryer

accounts for 8 or 9 percent of your entire electrical load. That’s a lot of carbons emitted, and that’s a lot of money, over time. So, the funny thing is, it’s real hard to find an official clothesline, but you can find rope anywhere — or there are those contraptions that look like George Rickey sculptures that hang your clothes to dry. There are exterior and interior clotheslines and clothesracks that you can use; or, a combination. It’s old school, but remember, mom and grandma knew best. And they loved their clotheslines!

ElectricityFour billion dollars is wasted with “phantom power”

every year in America. That means having your cell phone charger or Nintendo plugged in. You think it’s doing nothing, but it’s draining power. A Nintendo alone, in dormant status, costs you $25 a year. So smart your electricity — and stop the waste. The Green Switch (www.greenswitchgroup.com) automatically turns off what you don’t need, programs your thermostat to fit your schedule… you control whatever you want with this system. You’ll save 25 – 45 percent of your energy costs. Want something just for your computer peripherals like the scanner and printer? Try the Smartstrip, which manages those and stops the drain.

Green buildingThere are a lot of local builders specializing in green building

these days, and a lot of manufacturers providing green options on everything from cabinets to flooring. Whether you are starting from scratch or doing

some rehab, start with Ecology House of Indianapolis (www.ecologyhouse.com) as a sort of one-stop shop for green building. Green architects abound in the city, you might try Casa Verde (www.casaverdellc.com) or Solstice Architecture ( www.solsticearchitecture.com). There are also several rehab centers in Indy where you can reuse materials someone else has in surplus or has already used. Try Rehab Resource ( www.rehabresource.org) if you are just getting started.

Home energy auditorsYou have no idea how much energy your house wastes

until you really dig in and look. And fortunately, Indianapolis has plenty of people ready to give you a tour of your own home and show you how you can reduce waste, reduce costs and help the planet all at the same time. They are called home energy auditors, and one of our favorites is the fine folks at Greenway Supply Store, winner of Hoosier Environmental Council’s Green Business of the Year. Find out more at www.greenwaysupply.net

LightbulbsCan you really save the planet with compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs)?

Why not try! You’ve been hearing about them, chances are you have at least a few in your home, but if not, get real: they last ten times longer than regular (ye olden) lightbulbs while using one tenth the energy. LED (Light emitting diode) takes CFLs up a further notch toward sustainability and thanks to Purdue University research, the cost is beginning to fall. LEDs in fact can last 15 years — that’s longer than your car (which we know, you have divorced by now). CFLs are not hard to find — everyone’s got ‘em — and LEDs are getting easier to find too. Incandescent bulbs will get harder and harder to find, though.

Home green home: 10 easy steps


Non-toxic paintDid you know you’re painting your house with antifreeze? Check

the label for paint. Most paint gives you a warning that it contains ethylene glycol, the same toxic stew you find in antifreeze. Plus, paint has VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which ruins your indoor air quality. In fact, paint never stops outgassing VOCs — ever. (Great name for a punk band: Outgas.) There are paints that don’t have ethylene glycol or VOC; for example, Safecoat has a number of paints and primers (www.afmsafecoat.com), and for the major brands and the major department stores… check the label and ask someone before you buy.

Solar, part oneThe solar attic fan, developed by Indiana-based SunRise Solar,

is one of the most elegant and cost-effective inventions to come along in a while. It’s as simple as this. Your attic heats up, right? The solar attic fan kicks on during the day, and without electricity (duh, it’s solar), it kicks on the fan that draws the heat out of your attic, cooling it and reducing your air conditioning costs. An added benefit is, since your attic isn’t hot as hell, your roof shingles will last a lot longer. Seeing is believing: www.sunrisesolar.net.

Solar, part twoThe solar attic fan is pretty cheap, a handful of hundreds

of dollars, but there are way more expensive, expansive and complicated solar systems you can put into your home, from the kind offered by SolarAG Systems (solaragsystems.com) who did the solar set up at Broad Ripple Brewpub to other Indiana based photovoltaic specialists like EcoSource (www.ecosource-inc.com) and ECI Wind and Solar (www.eciwindandsolar.com). Right now, there’s a Federal tax credit at 30 percent, add to that IPL’s $4,000 rebate, and your long-term investment in solar is going to pay you back faster than ever. And you’ll be the talk of your town when you do.

Water wasteBecause water is going to be the new oil within a few years

(plus who knows how everything’s gonna shake down with the transfer of assets from Indianapolis Water over to Citizens Energy Group), it’s time to start conserving NOW, rather than later. A dual flush toilet is the hottest shit (so to speak) you can imagine; for about $60 you can replace your old, leaky toilet bowl mechanism and start saving water and money. Plus, low flow oxygenic showerheads are high velocity — they reduce water output but feel like your old, wasteful shower.

YardIf your home also includes a yard, patio or balcony, let us

suggest: One: get a rain barrel or two. It’s easy to install, or even build, and it’s simple: it captures the rain from your roof in and you can “reuse” the water to nourish your indoor and outdoor plants. Two: compost your kitchen scraps in a composter, preferably a spinning composter that can also take on your yard scraps (leaves, grass clippings, etc.); together, food and yard scraps cook up a mean cocktail of humus for your garden. Third: rethink your grill as it can be a source of carbon emissions and airborne pollutants.

HOMEOWNERS!

We Provide Energy Audits & Green Rating Services to help you create a home that is comfortable, healthy, energy effi cient, and environmentally sound.

CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS! Designers, Builders, Remodelers, Material Vendors, Construction Trades, Code Offi cials, Real Estate Pros.

BUILD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE! We Provide the Support, Knowledge, Training & Expertise your company needs to excel as Green Building Professionals!

BUSINESSES! We Provide Organizational Consulting, Staff Training & Assessments to help you realize your sustainable goals.

CALL before you upgrade, remodel, buy, or build a home CALL before you insulate, buy a furnace, or windows

Contact us to fi nd out how!

Contact us for a FREE Consultation & Our Training Schedule!

SAVE ENERGY, YOUR HEALTH, THE ENVIRONMENT & MONEY $Join our email list to learn more about:

The NEW 2010 HOME STAR programs and Incentives !WWW.ENERGYHOMECHEK.COM • [email protected] • 317-259-0759

Greenway Supply offers expert advice as well as green products like non-toxic paints and sustainable flooring.

Get connected.We didn’t really come to love Indy until we got on our bikes, and a

big reason for this is the friends we’ve made through riding. If you want to find some pals, there are plenty of resources. The Indy Cycling Meetup (www.meetup.com/IndyCycling) and the Central Indiana Bicycling Association (www.cibaride.org) hold numerous and regular rides for all levels of cyclists, including the infamously fun Nite Ride. If you like to play in the dirt, check out the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (www.hmba.org). Like to ride fast and turn left? Head out to the Major Taylor Velodrome this summer and crank it out with other trackies.

Get involved.Indianapolis has come a long way in the past few years with bike lanes,

an expanded trail system, cycling-specific legislature, and so on, but there’s still plenty of potential for growth. INDYCOG (www.theindycog.com) has been infomongering to Indy cyclists for a little over a year now and has recently achieved nonprofit status to position themselves as a legitimate, Indy-centric cycling advocacy group. Bicycle Indiana (www.bicycleindiana.org) sits at the helm of state-level advocacy, serving as a resource and garnering state-support for local advocacy groups. Your support goes a long way to making cycling safer and more welcome in Indianapolis.

FendersFace it, if you really get the bug and you’re riding your bike everywhere,

you’re eventually going to get caught under darker clouds. There’s a certain point in rain-riding where it just doesn’t matter how much wetter you get, but fenders prevent soggy bottom and mud butt, which are as uncomfortable as they are unsightly. Also, if you’re riding with others, the rider behind you will thank you for them. You can install full fenders, or there are a number of snap-on fenders out there that you can carry with you and install when the weather turns for the worst.

Know how to fix a flat.The number one reason bikes grow dust and rust in garages

is a flat tire. If you don’t know how to fix them, $15-20 at your local bike shop can seem a steep price, not to mention we’ve heard from plenty of people who feel, how to say, “humbled” when taking their bikes in to get a flat fixed. It’s really a simple procedure, and once you’ve changed a couple it’s as routine as tying your shoe. If you have a friend who’s into cycling, ask them to show you sometime, or there are tons of tutorials online.

Know how to ride safe.It’s important to know basic riding skills and laws. Riding with traffic

instead of against it (even and especially when riding in bike lanes), signal your turns, obey the rules of the road as though you were in a car. Be respectful and courteous; attract more with honey and all that. If you’re riding at night, you need lights—good, bright ones. Nota bene: bike lights aren’t so much for you to see as for you to be seen. Visibility is key. Here’s some advice, “Ride like you’re invisible.” Interpret how you will.

Know which streets to ride.Even though we cyclists belong on the streets, knowing which streets

are safest to ride can ease some new-rider jitters. Generally, major thoroughfares should be avoided if possible; stick to the less traveled roads that run parallel. Consider bike lanes and trails to be interstates. Calmer neighborhood streets are golden. Google Maps just rolled out their new By Bike feature; just punch in your To and From, select By Bike, and voila! It’s still in beta so you might get a bunk route here and there, but overall, it can be a useful tool. More resources for getting around Indy at www.theindycog.com/resources.html.

Ride a decent bike. Remember that time you thought rollerblading would be fun, so you

went and bought a pair at Wal-mart and gave it a shot? The skates felt like murder and the wheels hardly moved, so you never cared to stick with it more than a couple times. Bikes are much the same. Don’t settle on some big-box bike from Wal-mart


The urban cyclist: Top 10 sites

Indy’s bike trail and path system includes the popular Monon Trail.


or Target. For the same $150’ish, you can get a much nicer, overhauled bike from Freewheelin’ Bikes, and help a local youth outreach organization at the same time. Browse their bikes online at www.freewheelinbikes.org.

Ride streets, not sidewalks.It’s a bit counter-intuitive, but we promise you, riding in the street

is safer for yourself and for pedestrians. No matter how often drivers yell, “Get on the sidewalk!” trust us, they only want you to ride there so they can drive without you slowing them down, without having to worry about you. But, when they stop worrying about you, they stop paying attention to you, and when they stop paying attention to you, they hit you. Ironically, as a cyclist, you’re safest when drivers are yelling or honking at you, because they at least know you’re there.

You don’t have to look like a “cyclist” to ride a bike.The other day a friend looking

to buy a bike asked if she’d look like a dork riding a beach cruiser. We

told her what a lot of people don’t understand, including a lot of cyclists, is that riding a bike is inherently dorky. The biggest hurdle for promoting cycling in the U.S. is the marketing push of the stereotypical, spandex-clad cyclist. Spandex has its place in cycling, but you don’t need it, especially at first. All you really need to ride a bike is a bike.

Keep it fun.There are plenty of reasons to ride your bike—to be more

green-savvy, save some gas money, shed some winter weight, have fun as a family, etc.—but we’ve said this numerous times duty only goes so far. If you aren’t riding your bike first and foremost because it’s fun, you’re not going to be riding long. As much as we love to ride, some mornings we just want to sleep in and drive to work. If we didn’t allow ourselves that, we’re sure our morning commute would soon be a drudgery.

LOCAL BIKE SHOP SAMPLERBicycle Garage Indy (BGI)Voted Indy’s Best Bicycle Shop by NUVO readers this year, Bicycle Garage Indy has the largest selection of bicycles in the state of Indiana, as well as a friendly and knowledgeable staff.www.bgi.com 4130 E. 82nd St., 842-4140 and 997 E. County Line Road, 885-7194.

Bike LineWell-connected and respected in the local cycling community, Bike Line caters to the avid rider and racer, but also serves the needs of novice and hobbiest. Here you’ll find a full range of bikes and accessories, conveniently located next to the Monon Trail. www.thebikeline.com, 6520 Cornell Ave., 253-2611 and 11596 Westfield Road (Carmel), 815-1122.

Joe’s CyclesWhile only open for a little over a year, this Fountain Square shop has quickly become a favorite for cycling enthusiasts. The tiny space does have some bikes for sale; and staff provides helpful and affordable repairs and maintenance. www.joescycles.com, 1060 Virginia Ave., 602-3911.

Indy Cycle SpecialistNo bike snobbery and very little spandex, this is old school, commuter and mountain biking. (Though avid riders and racers are welcome too!) Need help moving the little prince or princess up from training wheels? This is the place. Thinking about using the bike lanes to commute to work instead of driving? Start here. www.indycyclespecialist.com, 5804 E. Washington St., 356-5765.

drudgery.

year, es in the state

FOOD & DRINK

LOCAL BEER AND WINE

Barley Island Brewing CompanyTaking its name from the 17th century room in an alehouse in which beer was consumed, Barley Island produces some of the state’s best beer and serves it in several convenient locations. Up north there’s the Old World pub house where we first fell in love with the brew. Now there’s also a Broad Ripple tasting room. Barley Island has an emphasis on freshness — the beer is made from scratch as well as many of the food items. Menus differ by location. Broad Ripple is smoke-free and has free wi-fi. barleyisland.tripod.com, 701 Broad Ripple Ave., 257-500 and 39 Connor St. (Noblesville), 770-5280.

Broad Ripple BrewpubNot only does Broad Ripple Brewpub deliver some great beer, the food matches the quality, making for a great experience. Try the traditional, English-style cask ales for the real pub experience. Or maybe the Lawn Mower Pale Ale, a draft that is sure to quench your thirst during the hot summer months. After a few pints, the Drunken Tortelloni will satisfy your hunger with its five-cheese tortellini covered in spicy vodka cream sauce. Its great location by the Monon Trail means you can while away the time, people-watching as they bicycle, roller-blade, saunter and walk their dogs up and down the trail. www.broadripplebrewpub.com, 842 E. 65th St., 253-2739.

BruggeNamed after one of the most beautiful Belgian cities, Brugge pays homage to such Belgian specialties as mussels, frites, crepes and, of course, beer. Calling itself a gastropub, Brugge doesn’t offer a huge menu, but what’s on offer is choice. The frites are as good, if not better, than their old country cousins, with a variety of

great dipping sauces. The mussels come cooked in a variety of tasty broths; and the beer, brewed on site, is nonpareil. Go early if you don’t want to wait for a table, because this place gets deservedly crowded — even with the expanded upstairs seating (inside and balcony). 1011 E. Westfield Blvd., 255-0978.

Easley WineryIndiana’s oldest family-owned winery, Easley provides wine grown from vineyards located in Southern Indiana and offers a rotating list of about 25 varieties, depending on the season. The downtown headquarters provides a convenient way to stop in a pick up a few bottles or take part in wine tastings, classes and even tours of the winery. There’s also a gift shop with lots of great options to accompany that bottle of red or white. Summers bring live music to the Easley patio for “Groovin in the Garden” events on Tuesdays and Saturdays. www.easleywinery.com, 205 N. College Ave., 636-4516.

Rock Bottom BreweryRock Bottom Brewery offers big food and great beer in a downtown or Northside setting. Be sure to check for special brews on tap. Not only do they have a wide variety of beer selections, but they also prepare food with fresh ingredients, homemade bread and buns, and homemade desserts. Try the barbecue ribs or the famous Bourbonzola Burger, featuring a Jim Beam Bourbon glaze, Gorgonzola cheese, smoked peppercorn, onion straws, lettuce and tomato on an onion roll. Great spot to fuel up before (or after) the big game at Conseco or the big play at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. www.rockbottom.com, 10 W. Washington, 681-8180. And 2801 Lake Circle Drive 471-8840.

Upland Tasting RoomThe best Indiana beer according to NUVO readers comes from Upland Brew Company, which now has a tasting room conveniently located on the corner of


Part of the “greenness” of Upland, beside being a local business, is the solar panels on its Bloomington based brewery.


College and 49th streets. Upland regularly produces five varieties of beer, and adds seasonal selections to the mix. The Wheat Ale has a classic taste, and is great for the summer. New to the arsenal is the Nut Hugger Brown Ale, with caramel malt flavors, hints of chocolate, and a slightly sweet finish. This is the uptown place to enjoy all that beer-goodness in person and with your pals. www.uplandbeer.com, 4842 N. College Ave., 602-3931.

GREEN DINING

3 Sisters There are any number of reasons to love this Broad Ripple staple. The location is great, the staff is friendly and the food is always good. In particular, vegetarians and vegans will find plenty to eat at this charming and affordable Victorian home converted into a restaurant. Known for its fresh and delicious food, 3 Sisters is making a healthy mark on the Broad Ripple area; go for a walk on the canal after your meal for an added perk. 3 Sisters is a great option for breakfast and lunch, offering great vegetarian and vegan alternatives to the classics. Plan to make a day in the Broad Ripple area as meals usually go on for a few hours. www.3sisterscafe.wp.net, 6360 Guilford Ave., 257-5556.

Earth House CaféAs a collective, Earth House Café is the perfect place to stay in touch with the community and important issues. Earth House is Indiana’s only 100-percent organic and fair trade coffee shop, offering coffee and tea drinks as well as organic foods on Friday nights and during events. Along with delicious food and drink, Earth House also offers classes like yoga and African drumming as well as exhibiting local artists, musicians and films. Their refurbished upstairs performing space is one of the new treasures of downtown Indianapolis. Check out the Web site for the great line-up. www.earthhousecollective.org, 237 East St., 636-4060.

Traders Point Loft RestaurantThis quaint eatery, located at Indiana’s only 100% grass-fed organic dairy farm, features a dairy bar with delicious ice cream selections made on-site, and specialty dinner menus for Tapas, Pizza and Mediterranean Nights. Also open for Sunday brunch and Tuesdays through Saturdays for lunch offerings. All items are prepared with fresh, organic ingredients from Traders Point and other sustainable farms. Reservations recommended for brunch and groups of six or more. Enjoy drink specials as well, including half-price wine bottles on Tapas Night! And if you want, you can get yourself a tour of the farm — a real Indiana treat! www.tpforganics.com, 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville, 733-1700.

Nourish Café Nourish Café is the new restaurant at the Indianapolis Museum of Art that focuses on simple, healthy, and tasty food from local vendors. Departing from trendy, ultra-modern, “designer food”, Executive Chef Ty Hunt explains that the restaurant is striving for the cheapest, most reliable food possible. The concept of locality is apparent in the restaurant’s grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, organic products, and shade-grown coffee. The menu includes handcrafted soups and salads, artisan sandwiches, pasta dishes, and children’s options and ranges anywhere from $1 to $11. www.imamuseum.org/connect/dine, 4000 Michigan Rd., 923-1331.

OceanaireThe key to excellent seafood is freshness, which is why Oceanaire has been named as Indianapolis’ best seafood restaurant. Oceanaire ships its seafood in daily from all over the world, guaranteeing both freshness and variety. The classic décor adds to the atmosphere, and the mixture of tables and booths provides a great setting for groups of any size. The oyster bar is also a great touch. Executive Chef Ryan Nelson should also be commended for

Barley Island donates the spent grain from the brewing process to a local cattle farm. When the truck arrives back to the farm the cattle begin to move in to feed. It’s known as their best meal of the day!

Recess chef Greg Hardesty uses local producers’ food whenever possible.


his efforts towards sustainability and ecologically responsible food practices. www.theoceanaire.com, 30 S. Meridian St., Suite 100, 955-2277.

Passage to IndiaPassage to India – formerly Udupi Café – is the only 100 percent vegetarian restaurant om the city. Lucky for us, it specializes in authentic Indian vegetarian and vegan cuisine with a menu that offers a rich array of dishes from the two great schools of Indian cooking, northern (with its dairy leanings) and southern (known for its robust use of spice), resulting in a dining experience that relies on an uncommonly rich array of flavors, textures and degrees of heat. Try the lunchtime buffet ($6.99) or one of many vegan and vegetarian curries ($7.49-8.99). 4225 Lafayette Rd., 299-2127.

R BistroChef Regina Mehallick takes special care in arranging the weekly menu in order to best incorporate seasonal, locally made produce, offering one of the most creative menus in Indianapolis. The result is an imaginative culinary treat. Reasonable portions and pricing leave clientele satisfied, while upscale décor makes for a sophisticated ambiance. Given the intimate dining space, it is

highly recommended to make reservations at R Bistro, especially on weekends. Consult the Web site to see what seasonal offerings are available. www.rbistro.com, 888 Massachusetts Ave., 423-0312.

Tulip Noir If you’re interested in trying a wholesome, “green” eatery, this eco-friendly, American bistro features seasonal breakfast and lunch menus packed with healthy, organic options that will please the stomach and the wallet, too. Except for the sandwich bread, all items, from soups to salad dressings, are prepared on-site with natural and organically certified ingredients. Those with lifestyle diets will find meals tailored to their unique needs, with vegan, allergy friendly, diabetic and also specific carbohydrate diet options. Tulip Noir also offers organic, natural coffees and teas, along with specials on Fridays. www.tulipnoircafe.com, 1224 W. 86th St., 848-5252.

Pita PitDiners who stop in for a bite to eat at the downtown location of Pita Pit can enjoy their meal knowing that the restaurant operates with an Earth-friendly mentality. That’s because it recently became the first — and only —restaurant in the city certified “green”

by the Green Restaurant Alliance. After hiring a consultant to help identify and implement necessary changes to help the business maximize both the economic and ecological benefits of minimizing their carbon footprint, Pita Pit met the criteria for the “green” restaurant certification. www.pitapitusa.com, 1 N. Pennsylvania St., (317) 829-7482. RecessLots of great buzz about Greg Hardesty’s latest venture and deservedly so. Hardesty set out to make Recess reflect as much

spontaneity as possible. He succeeds by creating an evening- specific menu based on available local ingredients. A fixed menu at a fixed price (that doesn’t reflect the wine) changes nightly. We dined here on a recent Saturday night and enjoyed the grass-fed chicken from LaGrange, Indiana. But we could have just of easily arrived on a night when the main course was Gunthorp Farms pork tenderloin or some similar choice offering. Reservations strongly recommended. www.recessindy.com, 4907 N. College Ave., 925-7529.

HOURS OF OPERATION

TUESDAY-SATURDAY 11 am to 9 pm

SUNDAY Noon to 8 pm

CLOSED MONDAY

Executive Chef and co-owner, Bill Atkins chooses local organic farmers and ranchers that raise and grow the best product around. We turn these wonderful local ingredients into the most mouth-watering fare you will ever encounter.

At Main St. Bistro we are not only committed to the best food from organic sources, we are also com-mitted to the environment. Co-owner, Dave Atkins, had our builders use recycled construction materials in the remodel. Energy effi cient light bulbs and bamboo fl ooring from a certifi ed renewable resource were also used.

Check out our full bar and extensive beer & wine list!26 wines by the glass and 15 by the bottle as well as 16 different import and microbrew beers! We also have organic wine, ale, lager and vodka.

An Organic Experience

Get 10% off your entire bill! Just bring in this ad! (EXP. 5/31/10)

Pita Pit was recently awarded a green certification by the Green Restaurant Alliance.


MARKETS

Fresh MarketIf you’re looking for a way to escape the overwhelming world of processed food at most grocery stores, Fresh Market supports your endeavor by offering a huge selection of natural and organic products. You can sip on a free sample of coffee while walking through the store, picking out unpackaged perishables. The store has an old-style butcher and fish market, as well as a produce and floral section. Pick up fresh-baked bread at their bakery or a delicious sandwich at the delicatessan. The market has a soothing ambience, and you can pick out fresh, organic food that nourishes your body. www.thefreshmarket.com, 5415 N. College Ave., 259-9270

Georgetown MarketWhen you walk into Georgetown Market, you‘ll know instantly that you‘ve entered a

different kind of store. From fresh, organic produce and delicious deli items that please vegans and meat-eaters alike to hand-picked Natural Living staff who will do their best to answer your every health question, Georgetown Market is a family-owned business whose goal is to help you “eat better, live well and feel your best!”

Be sure to stop by their market eatery as well, offering a daily hot bar, sandwich menu, fresh salad, and fresh, made-from-scratch soup. www.georgetownmarket.com, 4375 Georgetown Rd., 293-9525.

Good Earth Located just north of the Broad Ripple canal, Good Earth has been one of the city’s best (and, often, only) options for buying natural, organic and otherwise green products since opening its doors in 1971. Family-run and neighborhood-friendly, the store has a wide range of food items, as well as

natural body care, cosmetic and clothing options. Just as important, the staff is as committed to providing helpful, often educational, information to help shoppers make the best selection for their particular needs. www.good-earth.com, 6350 Guilford Ave., 253-3709.

Goose the MarketGoose the Market, Indy’s gourmet food mecca, supplies neighborhood-handy, locally produced food. From cold drinks to an exquisite meat counter to a café that offers sandwiches and soups, Goose the Market seems to have it all. If that’s not enough, stock up on fresh baguettes, grains and fun and funky flavors of gelato. Take a scoop of ice cream for the ride home or grab a pint to share with loved ones. Also, be sure to visit the wine cellar with all bottles under $25. Beers and ales are also offered. www.goosethemarket.com, 2503 N. Delaware St., 924-4944.

Locally Grown GardensLocally Grown Gardens is open seven days a week, usually at least until 8 p.m., though owner and former MCL Bakery Corporate Chef Ron Harris says they really never close. If there are customers at his indoor farmers market, well, he’ll be there too, offering items like fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey, cider and even firewood, which are sourced locally in many cases. Be sure to check the weekend hog roasts, an event so popular that pulled pork is now offered as a dinner selection from the market during weeknights from 4:30-9 p.m. www.locallygrowngardens.com, 1050 E. 54th St., 255-8555.

The Can DivaThe Can Diva

Aluminum Can Recycling Service

FREE PICKUPJOIN THE FUN AND EARN REWARDS!!

(No cash paid for cans)Get It Done With The Diva....

Free Membership!

Free Storage Containers ForBusinesses / Organizations

ALL CAN TOPS ARE COLLECTEDFOR LOCAL CHARITIES!

Free Event Clean-Up Available!

Please ContactChristy @

317. 519. 0164

Choose Your Own Pick Up Cycle


SHOPPING FASHION

Broad Ripple VintageShoppers who are used to cookie cutter stores and boutiques will find their visit to Broad Ripple Vintage mesmerizing to the point of distraction, quite possibly forgetting the purpose for visiting in the first place: to shop, not to gawk in wonderment as though at a museum. Due to its magical atmosphere and range of vintage items, Broad Ripple Vintage as a stop during Christmas shopping is a wise decision and a trip well spent. And when you find it hard to pick just one thing, have no worries because prices are not very steep. 824 E. 64th St., 255-4135.

IndySwankA great addition to Fountain Square, IndySwsank is a vibrant retail space specializing in vintage women’s fashion. Each piece here is carefully selected for style, condition and funkyness. While not over the top, a lot of items here take a commitment to an overall fashion theme – most likely one rooted in the 1950s or 60s. In addition to great dresses, coats and skirts, hats are well-represented here, as are fabulous handbags from several eras. And while the emphasis is on retro, there are new items (including jewelry and accessories) in the store made by local designers and artists. www.indyswank.com, 1043 Virginia Ave., 632-6440.

N. Rue & Co.Mixing vintage pieces with new items, both in clothing and accessories, N. Rue is a perfect example of retro looks needn’t be sloppy or created from scratch. Here you’ll find basic, fun fashions from previous decades that are incorporated seamlessly alongside new, trendy skirts, tops, dresses and pants. While N. Rue does have a few racks of funky throwbacks, the majority of the vintage pieces are classic. The new stuff at N. Rue is great, as well. Prices range from $35 to $300 depending on the dress, but there’s

lots to choose from and something for all budgets. www.nrueandco.com, 1134 E. 54th St., 496-9447

NurtureBrought to you by the amazing Kristen Cohn of Silver in the City, located just across the street, Nurture is a nice addition to the retail shops on Mass Ave and Indianapolis in general. A store for babies, with a hip and modern twist, Nurture stocks high-end kids clothes, gear and gift items with personality and, in many cases, eco-friendly materials. The new winter line features adorable leggings, pullovers and long-sleeve tees in a variety of price ranges. Sizes start at infant and go up through size 8, with a good selection in all sizes. www.nurtureonline.com, 433 Massachusetts Ave., 423-1234.

Rag-o-ramaMaybe not the new kid on the block any more, but Rag-o-rama is still leading the charge in Broad Ripple for a place to buy, sell and trade current, classic and vintage styles. Lots of options under $20 here and, whether they are new or used, they are all great choices. Could be the perfect one-stop shop for everyone on your shopping list if you’re going the fashion route. They also have a good selection of accessories in a variety of price ranges. Of special note – good selection of men’s items that aren’t just an afterthought. www.ragorama.com, 1067 Broad Ripple Ave., 475-0870.

GIFT-GIVINGBe Indypendent – Buy Indy Art!The slogan says it all – this website is your one-stop shop to appreciate all that local art has to offer, and includes access to the Arts Council of Indianapolis artist database, where you can peruse samples of 600 artists’ works and learn how to purchase them directly from the artist. The Arts Council of Indianapolis also provides helpful guides for beginning and business collectors, as well as a comprehensive listing of galleries, studios and other spaces that showcase the work of local artists. The “Be Indypendent” movement provides


great insight on how you can appreciate and sustain local artists and their work, and give a fantastic, one of a kind gift! www.beindypendent.org and www.indyarts.org.

Celery StreetZionsville residents JD and Evelyn Guinn set out to create an eco-friendly shop stocking the best in types of green items with Celery Street, and the results are astounding. They carry a wide selection of clothing, accessories, bath products, journals, desk accessories, gardening and kitchen supplies -- all made from organic, reused, refurbished, and/or recycled products. They’ve even got eco-friendly gifts for pets! While the occasional sale is held at the warehouse in Zville, Celery Street is primarily an online shop. See the full, splendid catalogue at www.celerystreet.com.

Global GiftsPartnering with more than 35 developing nations worldwide, Global Gifts continues to bring Indianapolis a mix of art culture that has been handed down for centuries elsewhere in the form of beautiful and affordable jewelry, home items, textiles, pottery and decorative art. Revenue from the fair trade store goes to help struggling artisans not only achieve a higher quality of life but also to reach a market that would otherwise be unavailable to them. www.globalgiftsindy.com, 1468 W. 86th St., 879-9090 and 446 Massachusetts Ave., 423-3148.

Silver in the City / At Home in the CityVoted the Best Gift Shop in our annual reader’s poll just about every damn year, the store so nice they named it twice is a shopper’s paradise. Although the selection of jewelry ranges from the sultry to whimsical, Silver in the City doesn’t just sell jewelry. The friendly staff can help you find a variety of gifts for both men and women. You can pick out a great set of stationary or cute dishes for hosting your next party. They also have a wide selection of reused and recycled items that help

you to stay green. Pick out a juicy guide to sex how-tos, a messenger bag made from the old RCA dome, or a coffee table book that’s sure to start a conversation. Shopsilverinthecity.com, 434 Massachusetts Ave., 866-955-9925.

Village ExperienceA two-part approach to cultural education and empowerment, sisters Anne and Kelly Campbell use their small store Broad Ripple as a venue for micro-financing groups, women’s projects,local artisans, and global cooperatives to develop fair trade products. The shop features stunning hand-crafted pieces in a variety of price ranges. We fell in love with knit scarves, gloves and hats recently arrived from Kenya, as well as the line of colorful handmade aprons. The best gift the sisters offer, however, is a series of eco-tours in developing parts of the world meant to give travelers a “real, off-the-beaten path, village” experience. www.experiencethevillage.com, 6055 N. College Ave., 602-3696.

THE PERFECT VINTAGE

Audrey’s Place Look for the spinning wheels and barber’s chair (often sporting a mannequin) in the window. Inside, you will find a wonderfully cluttered array of connecting rooms with everything from small handbells to new bedding. Items create the maze-like aisles; but don’t forget to look up to find treasures hanging from the ceiling. Be prepared to spend a good amount of time digging for treasure, and be prepared to get a little dusty doing it. Reasonably priced and fun to browse, Audrey’s Place is one of our favorite places to shop. 3228 E. 10th St., 266-1644.

Meridian Vintage ModernWith a great location at the corner of Meridian and 22nd, in a building that somehow survived the wrecking ball itself (though there is a “for sale” sign in front, currently), this great shop specializes in period furniture for

Look for fair trade, locally-made and recycled gifts at numerous Indy shops such as (from left to right): Village Experience, Silver in the City and Magic Bus.

collectors and those looking to invest in a few good pieces. While there’s a definite retro vibe, this isn’t a second-hand shop and these aren’t necessarily vintage store prices. But the wonderful collection of last century’s furniture at Meridian Vintage reminds us why quality is worth paying for. Open Wednesday – Saturday, 12-4 p.m. (no web site), 2201 N. Meridian St., 923-2201.

Midland Art and Antiques MarketTucked away in a historic warehouse is 40,000 square feet of paradise for anyone with an eye for style, whether it be artsy and modern or chic and retro. More than 125 dealers boast furniture, china, glassware, paintings and more from both yesterday and today. Fans of Victorian décor will find 18th and 19th century furnishings as well as silver flatware, and ’50s fans will find boxy, blonde side tables and charmingly geometric, but usually uncomfortable chairs and sofas. It’s best not to be in a rush here; the best items are often a bit obscured at a glance. www.midlandathome.com, 907 E. Michigan St., 267-9005.

Value WorldOld-school second-hand store that rarely disappoints. You have to be prepared to do some digging, but treasures aren’t too difficult discover. Lots of good condition brand name items, many with the tags still attached, for under $10. Rumor is you can often find 50 percent off coupons that will allow you to stock up for the season pretty cheaply. (multiple locations) 1201 E. Prospect St., 353-8140; 3616 E. 10th St., 353-8140; 4959 W. 38th St.,353-8140; 2350 E. 52nd St., 353-8140.

White River Architectural SalvageWhite River’s collection of antiques spans the decades and a dizzying array of genres, from automotive to exterior decorations to furniture and architectural offerings, from oak tables to movie posters to barber chairs. These are beautiful items from the past that deserve a place in the future; and the ideal place to find a rare and memorable gift. www.whiteriversalvage.com, 1325 W. 30th St., 924-4000.

10 GREEN READS

Be the ChangeThis is the inspiring of story Thomas Linzey and the growing grassroots

movement of people taking back their environment from the corporations who seek to destroy them — whether through contamination (mining, building quarries) or through theft of resources (aquifers). It is your classic David vs. Goliath, and boy, are the Goliaths gi-normous. Linzey and Anneke Campbell walk us through the success stories, while never sugar-coating the intense, harrowing process of organizing and sustaining a drive. Perfect for fledgling environmentalists. Gibbs Smith; $12.95.

The Carbon AgeSometimes you decide you’re just going to underline the

significant parts of a non-fiction book. And sometimes — as in the case of Eric Roston’s new book, The Carbon Age — you end up pretty much underlining the entire thing. This former Time magazine writer traces the arc of carbon, from its primordial stirrings to its current status as “civilization’s greatest threat.” Roston’s book is an essential read for the layperson interested in the science of global warming. Walker & Company; $29.95.

A Climate for ChangeWe’re not necessarily for these faith-based tomes on climate

change, being all gnarly atheists at NUVO, but author Katharine Hayhoe was in Indy earlier this year at Butler University and rocked the auditorium with an unflinching lecture on the cold certainty of global warming. So, hey, Hayhoe, why not? We’ll give this book a read. In collaboration with “teaching pastor” Andrew Farley, A Climate for Change explores the role of Christians on this decidedly global, and multi-denominational issue. FaithWords; $22.99 (or you can browse for free on www.climateforchangethebook.com.

Conservationist ManifestoThis collection of essays by one of Indiana’s truest treasures,

Scott Russell Sanders, reveals him taking the gloves off. Not that this peaceable Quaker is going to start brawling any time soon, but Sanders, a Bloomington resident and recently retired from the English Department at IU, is getting more fervent, impassioned — and better — as he ages. How could it be otherwise? Having written about the environment for decades, he has long had a front line seat at this sad and awful show. Sanders’ title is the tip-off: it’s a manifesto, dude. A call to arms; a plea for action. Indiana University Press; $19.95.

Divorce your CarMentioned in the opening of this Green Guide, Katie Alvord’s

book is a how-to manual on severing your addiction to car culture. Fascinating and filled with fun facts, this book is old (2000!), but its message and suggestions remain resonant — even more so — in this next decade. Get this: The first person ever killed by a car was named “Bliss.” Shouldn’t that have been the tip off that we were headed down the wrong road with the automobile? New Society Publishing: $17.95.

The Dominant AnimalOne of the essential books of 2008, Paul and Anne Ehrlich’s

work is a follow-up to Paul’s now three decades old The Population Bomb. It’s more than a clarion cry for change, however, as the Ehrlichs walk you through a basic course in evolution and genetics before moving into cultural evolution and its devastating impact on ecosystems, worldwide. As is the case with many books on the overall subject of environmental collapse, it’s hard to come away with the sense of anything but dread about the future — despite

1st Month Free With 12 Month Lease.



the authors’ best efforts to present a menu of possibilities and hope. Island Press; $35.

EaarthBill McKibben’s newest book just came out (April, 2010), and the

title is intentionally misspelled to make clear to the reader from the outset that McKibben believes we are already living on a fundamentally changed planet. We are fundamentally changed after reading this book, a tour de tears of where we are as a habitat, and how quickly things are going to disintegrate. If you can survive the blunt bleakness of his first couple of chapters, McKibben describes a scaled back, more democratic and civil society that could make this new planet a place in which we could possibly survive. Times Books: $24.

Living Like EdIn case the producers of Scared Green Straight come knocking

on your door, you’ll want to make sure you have a copy of Ed Begley, Jr.’s book around. Begley is considered by many to be the primordial environmentalist and his chatty, informative breeze of a read takes you through every step of your existence — and how you can green it. His wife Rachelle chimes in with her own suggestions, and the result is a handy workbook that can a) save you money immediately on your energy costs, b) make you feel better and c) distract you

from the horror of what’s happening. Clarkson Potter/Publishers; $18.

Storms of my GrandchildrenThe nation’s leading climate scientist James Hansen has been on

the front lines of speaking out about global warming for decades. He is director of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, among other positions of great and sober ascendancy, and so when he speaks, even the cautious tend to listen. And in this, his first book, he speaks volumes about the imminent tipping point we face as an ecosystem. His subhead says it all: “The Truth about the Coming Climate Catastrophe and Our Last Chance to Save Humanity.” A little on the wonky side, the book is nevertheless a barn burner. Hell, he’s hung out with Dick Cheney! Bloomsbury: $25.

Wolf TotemNot all our suggestions are non-fiction. This gem was

written by Jiang Rong and translated by Howard Goldblatt and published last year. It explores the idea that our planet as a habitat for humans and other species is collapsing, because of human behavior — through a heart-breaking story about wolves. Set in the late 1960s in Inner Mongolia, the book’s narrator witnesses what happens when herdsman culture is overtaken by agrarian society, and how the habitat, including the magnificent wolves, is devastated in the process. Penguin Books (2009); $15.


Best of the web10 green blogs

350.org350.org is a web site dedicated to

the idea that 350 ppm (parts per million) of CO2 is all this planet can handle. Since we are at 393.17 as of March, 2010, you’d think 350.org should give it up. Not so. This web site and organization, led by author Bill McKibben (who visited IUPUI last fall), is active, worldwide, forming one of the largest movements of environmentally minded activists imaginable. Transcending politics and national boundaries, 350.org is doing an extraordinary thing: giving hope to a world full of bad news. www.350.org.

Going LocalA lot of folks we know —

especially in the local, organic farming community — love to go to Victoria Wesseler’s “going local” blog for up to date information about conferences, festivals, programs and workshops. And for you do-it-yourselfers, check out her “Recipes by Season” section. Wesseler’s “Indiana Local Food Guide” is especially impressive, a treasure trove of farms, farmers markets, greenhouses, orchards — even pumpkin patches! Links and lore fill this site, a blog that truly celebrates the local. www.goinglocal-info.com

A Greener IndianaPart newsletter, part information

repository, part social networking interface, A Greener Indiana is a must-belong-to portal among Hoosier environmentalists. They feature videos, photos, events, blogs, comments — really, it’s a living, breathing community of people, all united by one thing: to pull Indiana out of the depths of its environmental death throes. A Greener Indiana now has almost 1800 members and if we left someone out of this Green Guide (how could we not?), changes are you’ll find them on this site. www.agreenerindiana.com.

Green LemonadeConcocted by two friends, Liz in

New York and Rhaya in Indianapolis, Green Lemonade is a fun and attractive blog/web site that features an expansive mission to promote sustainability — on the planet and in the body. The emphasis is on food, buying local and living healthy, and also provides great product information for “green” products, from dryer balls to dishwasher gel to back packs. green-lemonade.com.

Green Piece IndyMeghan and Renee put this site

together just over two years ago, and they have built a loyal following of green-loving people. Once you sign up you’ll get twice weekly email tips on green living. Their archives are a treasure of great recommendations. They’ve been honored with a Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce Green Business Award, and their Rush Hour Recycling Program continues to grow, resulting in a Sustainability Award in 2010 from the mayor’s Office of Sustainability. www.greenpieceindy.com

Indiana Living GreenThis web site is also a print

publication that comes out once a month. The brainchild of Lynn Jenkins and Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, Indiana Living Green calls itself “the Hoosier’s Guide to Sustainable Lifestyle.” The site features a handy calendar — including a farmers’ market line up. There’s even an “Opportunities” section where users can look for jobs or volunteer openings. Other features include articles, videos, blogs, forums and a comprehensive list of community supported agriculture options. indianalivinggreen.com.

IndyCogThe insiders guide to all-things-

bicycle in Indianapolis, IndyCog extends an umbrella over ALL bicyclers from the lycra-clad dudes who log a 100 miles a day, to the recreational biker, to the short-hike commuter. IndyCog creates a sense of community, through its informative and fun blogs, its informational posts and calls-to-action. They exemplify the do-it-yourself spirit of bicyclers everywhere, and while not overtly political, they don’t shy away from the opportunity to tell it like it is. Check out their car free Fridays movement. We’re all for that! www.theindycog.com

Smaller IndianaWhile not focused solely on the

environment, Smaller Indiana is nevertheless an online social networking community that enhances culture and commerce. We like thinking “small” because that means “local,” and this site typifies that. There are a number of groups, including the green business network, which, the mission statement says, brings “local businesses and residents together in order to transform our local economy into one that is self sufficient, sustainable, and fair.” www.smallerindiana.com

TuwAHere’s a web site where you can find

earth friendly products that range from pet accessories to recycling containers. They’ve got patio furniture, bird feeders and yoga mats, along with skin care and eco friendly hygiene items — free of chemicals. All products are made from 100 percent recycled materials, or are organic in nature (e.g. cotton, bamboo). Each purchase accrues “TuwA points” for you: you earn 1 percent back on purchases and TuwA (pronounced “too-ah”) matches 1 percent in charitable donations. Plus, they purchase 1 pound of CO2 offset for every point you earn. www.tuwa.com.

Valley WatchOur social justice itches get

scratched by watchdogs, and Valley Watch is one of Indiana’s best watchdogs. Edited by photographer and activist John Blair, Valley Watch has, for almost 30 years now, been fighting to protect and preserve the environment in the Ohio River Valley. And there’s a profound need, as that region is replete with coal-fired plants; they are at the center of a toxic storm. The site features news, announcements, photo albums and a library but mostly promotes community — common people rising up to fight for a livable place. valleywatch.net.

$1 OFFLunch or Dinner

Buffet(up to 2 people with coupon only)

Expires 5/05/10

Buy one entree and get a 2nd entree

1/2 OFFTUESDAY-THURSDAY ONLY

Expires 5/05/10

10% OFF CARRY OUT

of $25 or more. (Carry out only with coupon)

Expires 5/05/10


3 Sisters .........................................................15350.org .........................................................22A Greener Indiana .........................................22Abitibi ..............................................................8Audrey’s Place ...............................................19Barley Island Brewing Company .....................14Be Indypendent .............................................18Bicycle Garage Indy (BGI) ...............................13Bicycle Indiana ...............................................12Bike Line ........................................................13Broad Ripple Brewpub ...................................14Broad Ripple Vintage .....................................18Brugge ...........................................................14CAFOwatch .....................................................6Casa Verde ....................................................10Celery Street ..................................................19Central Indiana Bicycling ................................12Central Indiana Commuter Services .................6Central Indiana Land Trust ...............................6Citizen’s Transfer Station .................................8Earth Charter Indiana .......................................6Earth House Café ...........................................15Easley Winery ................................................14ECI Wind and Solar ........................................10Ecology House ...............................................10EcoSource ......................................................10Fresh Market .................................................17

Friends of White River ......................................6Georgetown Market ......................................17Global Gifts ...................................................19Goldsmith Group .............................................8Good Earth ....................................................17Goose the Market ..........................................17Green Lemonade ...........................................22Green Piece Indy ............................................22GreenCycle ......................................................8Greenway Supply Store ..................................10Health By Design .............................................6Hoosier Environmental Council ........................6Hoosier Mountain Bike Assoc. .......................12Indiana Living Green ......................................22Indiana Recycling Coalition ..............................6Indy Cycle Specialist .......................................13Indy Cycling Meetup ......................................12IndyCog .........................................................12IndyCog .........................................................22IndyGo .............................................................6IndySwank .....................................................18Joe’s Cycles ...................................................13Keep Indianapolis Beautiful ..............................6Locally Grown Gardens ..................................17Meridian Vintage Modern ..............................19Midland Art and Antiques Market .................20N. Rue & Co. ...................................................8

Nourish Café .................................................15Nurture ..........................................................18Oceanaire ......................................................15Passage to India .............................................16Pira Pit ...........................................................16R Bistro ..........................................................16Rag-o-rama ....................................................18Recess ............................................................16Rehab Resource .............................................10Republic Waste Services ...................................8Rock Bottom Brewery ....................................14Silver in the City / At Home in the City ..........19Smaller Indiana ..............................................22SolarAG Systems ............................................10Solstice Architecture ......................................10SunRise Solar .................................................10SustainIndy ......................................................8Traders Point Loft Restaurant .........................15Tulip Noir .......................................................16TuwA .............................................................22Upland Tasting Room ...................................14Valley Watch .................................................22Value World ..................................................20Village Experience ..........................................19White River Architectural Salvage ..................20Workforce, Inc .................................................8

Index

green guide 2010

Documents

nuvo green guide

definition of green

green business

green heroes

green web

home green home

years green cityguide

good green reads