Guide to Green Living in Chicago

by Emilie Zanger - Citysearch Editor - 80 Reviews - 37 Lists

Updated: February 21, 2009

Being green is always in fashion. With more and more companies making eco-friendly strides, it's easy to green your lifestyle from end to end. From organic baby threads at Grow and earth-loving cuisine at North Pond to environmentally responsible home-cleaning by Sparkle Queen, check out these eco-friendly businesses in Chicago.

On this page:Eco-Chic Shopping, Enviro-Aware Restaurants, Green Markets, Earth-Friendly Services.

Eco-Chic Shopping

  1. 1 1 Star Rating: Poor Buffalo Exchange
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    2873 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657 (map)

    This trend-savvy buy/sell/trade clothing store--with locations in Lincoln Park and Wicker Park--attracts fashionistas on the prowl for deals on gently worn threads.

  2. 2 Barneys Ny
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    2209 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

    Look for Edun, Bono's line of socially responsible and sustainable clothing, among other organic and natural garments and beauty products.

  3. 3 American Apparel
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    1563 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    California cotton basics chain stocks a line of Sustainable Edition organic items in the same hip colors and styles as their regular line.

  4. 4 Grasshopper 510
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    1944 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (map)

    High-end Bucktown boutique peddling baubles, handbags, home decor and more proves green material and high style can work seamlessly.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Transitions Bookplace
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    1000 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    Lincoln Park bookseller that feeds the mind, body, home and soul, offering volumes on alternative healing, spirituality and creativity.

  6. 6 3.5 Star Rating: Average Grow
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    1943 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    Natural- and organic-focused Wicker Park boutique for babies, toddlers and their parents.

Enviro-Aware Restaurants

  1. 7 3.5 Star Rating: Average North Pond
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    2610 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

    Chef Bruce Sherman's menu bristles with organic, local and seasonal produce, much of it from the nearby Green City Market.

  2. 8 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Hannah's Bretzel
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    180 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 (map)

    Organic carryout eatery specializing in gourmet sandwiches like Black Forest ham and Gruyere, made on soft, whole-grain bretzel bread.

  3. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Chicago Diner
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    3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657 (map)

    For more than 25 years, this Boys Town eatery with a conscience has been serving vegetarian diner staples even a carnivore can love.

  4. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended Crust
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    2056 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    The Midwest's first certified organic restaurant is a happening green scene with flatbread pizzas, tasty antipasti and juicy cocktails.

  5. 11 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Mana Food Bar
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    1742 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    This see-and-be-seen Wicker Park vegetarian spot keeps a crowd by offering small-plates like spanikopita and creamy, mushroom-topped polenta that are accessible to the meat eater--that and sake cocktails.

Green Markets

  1. 12 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Whole Foods Market
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    30 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    This organic and all-natural supermarket chain features hormone-free meats, responsibly fished seafood and an invitingly well-stocked salad bar.

  2. 13 4 Star Rating: Recommended Goddess & Grocer
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    1646 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (map)

    Deli sandwiches and ready-to-heat entrees and sides never looked so stylish, thanks to this organic-leaning gourmet grocer in Bucktown.

  3. 14 4 Star Rating: Recommended August Grocery
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    1500 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    A focus on fresh, local ingredients is meant to get people in touch with the simple joys of cooking and food preparation at this Wicker Park store.

  4. 15 Green Grocer Chicago
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    1402 W. Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    West Town grocery offers a taste of freshness with organic and locally produced foods and specialty items like raw vegan chocolate truffles and vegan body products.

Earth-Friendly Services

  1. 16 Sparkle Queen Cleaning Service
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    2360 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

    Eco-friendly company provides thorough home-cleaning services for busy, city-dwelling clients, using products like Dr. Bronner's floor cleanser and allergy-sensitive triple-filtered vacuum cleaners.

  2. 17 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Sit
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    2316 W Leland Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (map)

    Cats and dogs get washed, cut and coiffed by this organically inclined groomer. Find organic catnip and all-natural dog treats in the boutique.

  3. 18 4 Star Rating: Recommended Greener Cleaners
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    5312 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640 (map)

    Regional garment-cleaning chain eschews harsh chemicals in favor of more environmentally friendly methods and gentle, natural cleansers.