Environgentle in Encinitas was one of the first "Green" stores.
by Carolyn Chase
he idea of a "Green" retail store was just
that an idea that has spurred many entrepreneurs across the country over
the last seven years. Torrey Neel, owner of EnvironGentle, which is located
in historic downtown Encinitas, CA, is one of the first to catch the vision
of a "Green" store so people would have easy access to non-polluting
and sustainable products. Established in June, 1991, EnvironGentle was one
of about ten retail stores in the country. Today, there are over 60 "Green"
retail stores in America alone.
Author Stephen R. Covey describes a paradigm
in this way: "It's the way we 'see' the world not in terms of our visual
sense of sight, but in terms of perceiving, understanding, interpreting."
Neel's belief in promoting Green products represents a paradigm shift that
is experiencing exponential growth. As we all become more in tune to how
are lives affect ourselves, Mother Earth, and our children's future, our
ability to understand why we need to choose eco-friendly products becomes
increasingly easier.
Now in her seventh year of business, EnvironGentle
has moved from its original location to 543 First Street. The added space
was quickly filled with a larger selection of organically grown cotton and
hemp fashion clothing. You can even choose to dress yourself for the beach
in her new line of eco-swimwear. EnvironGentle also carries a large selection
of nontoxic household cleaning products, natural personal care items, clothes
for baby, pet care and pet food, bed and bath linens, and much more. There
is truly something for everyone.
In celebration of the upcoming 7th year anniversary,
EnvironGentle will host a special events party on June 21, 1997. To receive
more information, you can contact owner Torrey Neel at (760) 753-7420.
A subtle, yet beautiful reminder holds place
above the door as you prepare to leave the EnvironGentle store: "The
environment is all around us, be a part of it."
