Saturday, May 3 marks a significant day in eco-conscious shopping as GreenSmartGifts, an earth-friendly shop, will open in Lakewood. Located at 14534 Detroit Avenue, directly across from Lakewood Hospital, the shop will promote “living green and giving green”.

After working 23 years in the corporate sector, Lakewood resident Mary Evans dreamed of opening her own retail store; but her goal was to own a store with a purpose. GreenSmartGifts has allowed her to combine a love of retail with a love of the earth to create shopping that makes a difference.

Shoppers of GreenSmartGifts can expect to find a wide range of products that support the concepts of green and conscious consumption, such as soy candles, organic baby clothing, gardening supplies, wooden toys, personal care items, and jewelry and paper goods constructed of recycled products. GreenSmartGifts also offers a variety of tote bags to help encourage the reduction of plastic bag usage. Wherever possible, local suppliers will be used in order to reduce emissions from transport.

In addition to selling gifts, Evans uses GreenSmartGifts to raise awareness about environmental sustainability – proving to customers that it really is easy being green. In the store, there is a section that is dedicated to home items such as rechargeable batteries and laundry detergent in capsule form. Shoppers will also find “green tips” in several places around the store, as well as a children’s area with educational books and a coloring station.

GreenSmartGifts will be open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 am to 6pm; Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 7pm; and Sundays from noon until 5pm. GreenSmartGifts is closed on Mondays.

A grand opening celebration will be held on Saturday, May 3 with drawings for discounts and gifts held throughout the day.

Mary Evans may be contacted at GreenSmartGifts at (216) 712-7980 or via email at mary@greensmartgifts.com.