AMID THE GROWING CONCERN for the environment, human health, fair labor standards and corporate responsibility there is a new place to shop in Gainesville which brings it all together: it’s called INDIGO. “Every town should have a ‘Green Store’, where folks can buy products that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly,” owner Liberty Phoenix says. “Indoor air quality is one of INDIGO’s main concerns. We spend so much of our modern lives indoors and these spaces should help keep us healthy, not compromise our immune systems.”

INDIGO’s showroom opened this year at 322 SW 4th Avenue in Gainesville to offer people the opportunity to explore and purchase eco-friendly products for their homes and workplaces. Featuring zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), solvent free-paints, stains and adhesives; recycled content countertops; bamboo, Marmoleum and cork flooring; recycled blue jean insulation; recycled glass tiles; FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified and formaldehyde-free flooring and plywood and recycled roofing tiles, INDIGO is poised to be North Central Florida’s leading supplier of green building products. They also carry green cleaning supplies; compostable trash bags, tableware and cutlery; organic cotton linens, baby supplies, and an array of toys, gifts and jewelry made from recycled materials.

With so much to offer the conscientious consumer, INDIGO is a great place to shop for the holidays. Liberty emphasizes that going green is going local. “When you buy from INDIGO for your home improvement projects, rather than from a traditional builders supply, you are keeping your dollars local. INDIGO selects products from companies who are committed to sustainability, thereby leaving the smallest ‘carbon footprint’ possible”. INDIGO makes a concerted effort to find local suppliers to reduce emissions and shipping, as well as recruiting local contractors and installers to help you create a beautiful and healthy home. “People and businesses are recognizing that their actions can make a difference.” Phoenix continues, “Creating a green living environment makes sense all around - it’s good for your family’s health, it saves money and it’s good for the earth.”

 For example, the organic cotton bedding sold at INDIGO, which is on sale through December, is made in the USA and produced without harmful chemicals. Although conventional cotton only makes up about 3 percent of the world’s crops, it is responsible for 25 percent of the world’s insecticides and 10 percent of the world’s pesticides.

With concerns about unregulated toxins applied to toys and other products produced in China, INDIGO has FSC certified wooden toys made in the USA, toxin-free stainless steel sippy cups and water bottles, as well as a line of organic cotton clothes for infants. “Although there are serious situations that we are trying to address with opening a store like this," says INDIGO manager Mike Amish, “we are here to have fun, learn from the community, provide what resources we can and participate in a larger movement that has been here long before us.” Amish says that INDIGO will be conducting do-it-yourself classes for things such as rain barrel making and natural clay plastering on Saturdays starting in January, as well as sponsoring educational events, book signings and films.

At INDIGO, you will often find a homeowner with their blueprints laid out on the center table, working with knowledgeable staff to remodel their home. With almost every aspect of green building, remodeling and everyday useful items covered at INDIGO, the possibilities for sustainability are endless! G

322 SW 4th Ave Gainesville, Fl 32601, www.indigogreenstore.com liberty@indigogreenstore.com
352-378-2285

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