The Traveler

Issue date: 9/12/08 Section: Life & Style

Media Credit: Veronica Pucci Since this summer, Something Urban has stocked its inventory with shirts made of cotton. The boutique is one of many businesses on Dickson Street to join the green movement.

Something Urban boutique needed something "green." In place of turning displays, window shutters show off jewelry arrangements. Old doors with fading paint display a few items against skyscraper artwork decor. Sunglasses strung on rope hang next to an old stop sign and vintage hubcaps. A used screen door by the entrance holds paintings by local artists. And on the way out, a rustic birdbath filled with sand welcomes cigarette butts.

The boutique, along with many other Dickson Street businesses, is setting an "eco-friendly" trend in its practices for the city of Fayetteville. Business owner Amy White-Beard said she was eager to join the movement.

"I've always been personally conscious about the environment," said White-Beard, who has run "Something Urban" since 1999.

Her environmental consciousness extended to her business practices as well. The store uses recycling bins and takes advantage of the recycling resources in the city after processing big inventory shipments. Even the packaging and shopping bags for the store are made from recycled materials.

White-Beard prides herself on providing affordable and contemporary clothing and accessories for women. This summer, she stocked some organic cotton clothing, increased the local jewelry inventory and acquired a few fabrics with recycled buttons.

"We've even had some vegan customers request products," White-Beard said.

At the Ozark Mountain Smokehouse, different modes of transportation are rewarded. The restaurant features "non-polluting commuting" Wednesdays, which grants a 15 percent discount to patrons who either walk, take a bus or ride a bike to the establishment on that day.

"It's a little fun in the summer months," said restaurant staffer Jordan Carpenter.

The special Wednesdays also feature local music for patrons at night. The special expires at the end of September.

Karen McSpadden of WinRock International, a global nonprofit corporation that focuses on agricultural development, sustaining natural resources and increasing economic opportunities, has been monitoring Dickson Street's green energy efforts and is impressed.

Continued...

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