Our biggest selling item is the ultra-compact and reusable ChicoBag. It’s washable, an easy gift, and, of course, ecologically-friendly. And it’ll soon feature the Park + Vine logo and a little more. We’re scheduled to have this colorful new version on our shelves in October.

The guys behind Nati Evolvement are rolling out their fall line and we’re happy to make it available to our Nati-loving customers. First up is the Made in the Nati T-shirt. “Made in the Nati” is printed on the front in three colors, while the Nati Evolvement logo is found on the left sleeve and on a printed interior tag. Add this short-sleeved heather grey American Apparel T-shirt to your wardrobe for $24 (unisex and women’s) or $21 (kids). We’re expecting the new Nati 80’s Skulltopper and Pigs Fly Hoody soon.

A significant environmental commitment is coming out of the Clinton Global Initiative through what some might consider an unlikely partnership: the Environmental Defense Fund and Wal-Mart. According to Treehugger, the Global Plastic Shopping Bag Commitment could eliminate 9 million plastic shopping bags per year from Wal-Mart stores. The Environmental Defense Fund plans to help Wal-Mart develop initiatives for recycling, reusing and reducing the use of plastic bags in its stores by an average of one-third per store, from 2008 levels, by 2013. An estimated 290,000 tons of carbon emissions and energy consumption equal to 678,000 barrels of oil will be eliminated.

The new exhibition PRIMED at Park + Vine, 1109 Vine Street, features Cory Shafer’s photographic retrospective of ArtWorks’ Mural Works public art project. Opening reception 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 26 includes a live performance by Sharon Udoh with Fanatics and Traitors, and Brandon Dawson. Register to vote with a volunteer from Ohio for Obama and receive one free bottle of Honest Tea while supplies last. UPDATE: Not sure that we’ll be able to project the presidential debate at the store. PRIMED runs through Oct. 29.

Whether you’re concerned about the welfare of animals, the environment, local farms, or something else, there are so many ways to eat like you give a damn. This new T-shirt from our pals at Herbivore in Portland, Ore. puts it right out there with a bold and somewhat subliminal design. This one is sure to strike up a little conversation with the ones you love.

“Eat Like You Give A Damn” T-shirt ($23)

Sunday’s weather got the best of Park + Vine’s rooftop–and kept us closed Monday–but we’re back in business. Store hours are 11 to 7 Monday-Saturday and 12 to 4 Sunday. The city of Cincinnati’s building department responded quickly to our concerns about the roof material hanging from the cornice of the building in a very menacing way. We appreciate all the calls, e-mails and general concern about our well-being. We hope to have fresh sandwiches and salads from Melt back in our cooler Wednesday.

It was truly sad watching Grammer’s Restaurant and Findlay Market endure fire damage and St. Paul’s Church sustain high winds yesterday. Sunday’s weather got the best of Park + Vine’s rooftop, too. We have to keep our doors closed today and hope that we’re up and running again Tuesday. Melt in Northside is temporarily closed due to power outrages so the next batch of sandwiches and prepared salads arrive here at Park + Vine Wednesday.

We’re giving away energy bars and coffee to anyone who rides his or her bike–or scooter–to Eco-Main-ia noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 14. Just visit the Park + Vine table on Main Street between Thirteenth and Fourteenth and get a free Love Force raw and organic energy bar and a free cup of Doerr’s Alley Dark from Brutopia. The final Second Sunday on Main of the season is all about celebrating the Earth and will include live music, demonstrations from celebrity chefs and a kids’ activity zone.

It’s great to welcome these three new businesses to our neighborhood:

Business Courier of Cincinnati

The Gateway Quarter, the renovated residential/retail district in Over-the-Rhine, will welcome three new stores in September, the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) said.

The stores are:

• The Little Mahatma, which previously announced its move from Main Street downtown. The retailer of unusual jewelry, art and artifacts will be open at its 1205 Vine St. address Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.

• Switch, a new store featuring decorative fixtures, will open at 1207 Vine St. The store will feature designs from South America, Europe and Scandinavia, as well as fluorescent and LED fixtures. It will be open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, noon-6 p.m. and by appointment.

• Incredible Creations, a barbershop and beauty/nail salon, will move to 1209 Vine St. from Gilbert Avenue. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.

The retailers join several other recently opened stores on Vine Street, including Park + Vine, City Roots, Mica, Metronation and restaurant/wine bar Lavomatic.

Love the density of the cacao raspberry Nectar bar from Clif Bar? How about the chewy loveliness of locally-made Love Force chocolate lemon energy bars? Well, here’s your chance to learn how to make your own bar from Angela Lucarelli of Urban Organic 10 a.m. Sept. 13 at Park + Vine.

Registration is $35 and includes vegan food samples, recipes and educational materials. Space is limited to 15 students. On the day of the class, students receive 15 percent off any Park + Vine items used in the class. RSVP 859-512-6093 or urbanorganiccincinnati[at]gmail[dot]com before Sept. 11.