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Last week, Future Green, the area's first multi-product eco-friendly store, had its grand opening at 1469 Church Street, N.W., in downtown Washington, D.C., one block north of the "P" street Whole Foods. The new store offers organic and non-toxic products, along with a guarantee that international products do not come from exploited labor. With a wide variety of organic clothing, cosmetics, baby products, appliances, knitting yarns, green building supplies, sustainable floors, and fair trade jewelry and chocolate, Future Green presents an exciting shopping market for the conscientious consumer.
According to Councilmember Adrian Fenty, who did the honors at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Future Green also has significance for the local community. He remarked, "It is great to be here with Zipcar, with Whole Foods and our new neighbors. We are really making a great statement about what this neighborhood thinks about the ecology and the environment. And just making sure as we continue to develop this great city, it is done in a way that is friendly, sympathetic and supportive to the world we live in." Incidentally, the ribbon cut was made from recycled material.
Councilmember Jim Graham also came to show his support. As Chairman of Washington, D.C.'s Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Committee, he is conducting hearings on legislation that would put more environmentally friendly standards on new building construction and renovation in Washington, D.C.
Cleveland C. James, principal of Virginia's first eco-friendly school, Langston High School in Arlington, told Epoch Times that Future Green's good example could set a trend for improved construction throughout the entire region. "I believe it is going to have a heavy impact on residential construction. It is a conscientious effort for individuals building a better environment." He also expressed his hope that stores like Home Depot and Lowe's would follow Future Green's lead.
During the ceremony Alisa Gravitz, Executive Director of Co-op America, which promotes economic strategies for a better world, noted that storeowner Keith Ware was committed to helping not only the consumer but also those who make the products. "He not only cares about how things are made and if they are recycled and making sure they are non-toxic, but he also cares about the people who make them." Ware's concern for people in forced-labor camps in China and exploitation of workers in developing countries were major factors in his decision to open the store.
Ware also intends for the store to be a community center with classes on buying healthy and sustainable products, Qi gong practice, knitting lessons and a place for people to talk and exchange ideas.
Gravitz also noted the upcoming tea room at the store would be great for the community, as she noted Ware's ability to bring together people of all races and ethnicities. "When I got here Keith was practicing Vietnamese with a woman in the store." She felt Ware's gift to relate to people would facilitate unity among diverse communities of conscience. "There are so many different people from so many different communities here. Keith is thinking of building a bridge of people in this community with people around the world who care about respecting the planet and respecting people."
In fact, Ware had postponed his grand opening for two months so it would coincide with the Chinese New Year. Hundreds of visitors attending the opening were delighted to watch performances from New Tang Dynasty TV (NTDTV), which will present its Chinese New Year Gala, Myths and Legends at the National Theatre on February 16th and 17th.
NTDTV works to bridge the gap between the East and West by helping Chinese adjust to western society and it promotes traditional Chinese culture as part of its mission. In an impressive 16-city gala performance, ancient Chinese legends are acted out on stage through colorful large scale dance operas accompanied by acrobatics, martial arts, dragon dancing, a thundering of giant drums, and China's most popular singer of all time, Guan Guamin, China's Pavarotti. The performance captures the spirit of antiquity by bringing back to life, ancient Chinese values and traditions that had been almost completely wiped out during China's notorious "Cultural Revolution." The attention given to historical accuracy makes the show stand out as a one of a kind production.
Future Green owner Keith Ware was also joined by Reverend Virginia Brown-Nolan of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, mayoral candidate Michael Brown, local performing artists and many businesses including Whole Foods, Java Green, Sticky Fingers Bakery, Perfect Organics, Miessence, Z-Coil Pain Relief Footwear, RESULTS The Gym, among others. Forty percent of proceeds for opening day's sales went to support the YMCA's children's program.
For past coverage on Future Green, visit http://www.theepochtimes.com/news/5-12-4/35349.html
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