Tread lightly with products from Goods for the Planet

Chris Raver and Suzanne O'Shea, owners of the environmentally friendly superstore Goods for the Planet, have a mission: to tread lightly on the planet in all facets of living. Everything they stock at their South Lake Union shop is recycled, recyclable, renewable, conserves energy or water, or is locally made (shorter transport distances mean fewer fossil-fuel emissions). You'll find everything from organic baby bedding to pet beds made from recycled fibers.

The massive store is located in a 1940s building (it was a bank in one incarnation) with original tile and flooring. Merchandising is straightforward -- different sections of the store are dedicated to a function or living space. There are areas for kitchen items; bedding and bath; baby gifts and supplies; cleaning and household supplies; environmentally oriented books and magazines; office supplies; home décor; clothing and bags; toys; and garden gear.

As I browsed through the earth-friendly products, I saw items that not only exhibited fashion sense -- they just made sense. Some of my favorites were soft, absorbent Nandina bamboo towels; locally made Big Dipper beeswax candles; and a stainless-steel kitchen compost countertop pail that is perfect for those nasty food scraps. Not only is it odor-free, it's just $40.

I also favored stainless-steel Kleen Kanteens ($15-$25) -- a big seller thanks to all the controversy surrounding disposable plastic water bottles; beautifully colored, tree-free Nepalese paper made from bits of cotton; "Petites," adorable children's slippers made from colorful strips of cloth ($34.95); large, handy totes made of outdoor banners (about $30) from local company AG; and artfully knitted handbags made from plastic bags ($55). "They're really durable and last forever," says Raver. Yeah, we know: Plastic bags and concrete are forever.

Last but not least, I was fascinated with the worm bins from Yelm ($89.95-$149.95). Just add food waste and worms, and you'll have mulch and fertilizer (and a science project) in just one month!

Goods for the Planet also provides recycling services. Bring in your used "technotrash," such as computer equipment, CDs, cell phones, fluorescent lightbulbs and batteries, and the store will dispose of them for a small fee -- $1 to $22, depending on the item. It's a small price to pay to keep the planet clean.

This month, the store celebrates its one-year anniversary with discounts on paper, the traditional first-anniversary gift. Office supplies, journals and stationery are at least 10 percent off.

Goods for the Planet is at 525 Dexter Ave. N.; 206-652-2327. Visit the store online at www.goodsfortheplanet.com.

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