By Marie Fitzsimmons
Outlook Editor
Downtown Scranton is getting a lot more greener especially on Adams Avenue. Thanks to the new establishments GreenBeing and Eden, this section of the city is thriving, making for lively First Friday celebrations each month. These neighboring businesses have opened within the past month, revitalizing the once barren 300 block. In addition to the two eco-friendly merchants, Marc’s Tattooing has also relocated to this section of town, bringing a whole different crowd to the street where Thai Rak Thai, The Bog, and Unknown Comics currently reside.
GreenBeing is Scranton’s first eco-friendly boutique. It had its grand opening in October with much success. According to ShopGreenBeing.com, the store sells “environmentally friendly clothing, accessories and hand- made items by Pennsylvania designers. Products offered are made with regard of the environment and sold with the local community in mind.” Some of the designers featured in the boutique are known both locally and on the web.
GreenBeing is owned by one of MU’s own alumni Cristin Powers, a native of Scranton and a 2007 graduate of Marywood University. While she attended Marywood she majored in retail business management. She is also a 2003 graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology where she majored in fashion merchandising management. Now, at the young age of 25 she is the sole proprietor of GreenBeing, a business that is committed to doing business in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
GreenBeing’s store hours are Monday to Wednesday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays. I’d suggest stopping by GreenBeing for some holiday shopping then heading over to Eden, Scranton’s first and only vegan cafe for a nutritious lunch.
Eden is owned and operated by Christian Pilosi, a vegan for more than 11 years and an experienced chef. Eden opened its doors for the first time as part of a First Friday celebration in November 7 with quite the turn out. Eden offers soups, salads, sandwiches and other vegan delights in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere, bringing some serenity to this already busy block.
Another business in downtown Scranton that is turning green is LAVISH over on the corner of Adams Avenue and Linden Street.
According to Jon Chernes, one of the shops owners, LAVISH “offers a line of organic body lotions and scrubs as well as natural soaps. We are also offering home products – mirrors made from re- cycled wood, jewelry boxes made from recycled wood and glass, and also recycled glass display domes.”
This downtown business is already a driving force in the community, actively hosting First Friday events. In addition, LAV- ISH has recently expanded to include spa services.
So the next time you find yourself looking for a great shop- ping day, head down to Adams Avenue where the grass is getting greener on the other side.