Cincinnati Magazine’s March issue gives our little stretch of Over-the-Rhine a big shout-out on pages 40-41. The two-page spread, “Intersection: Gateway Quarter,” includes fantastic photos by Chris Smith, store descriptions lovingly written by Joy Kraft, a clear map and lots of mentions of local designers. Here’s what Joy says about us:

“Park + Vine: This cozy general store is serious about its green conscience: The Unswoosher organic hemp and recycled tire high tops from Blackspot Shoes, flip-flop floor mats by Bitters Co., biodegradable cutlery, Grow-A-Notes cards to plant and bloom, Prana clothing, organic Plover bedding, Green to Grow PBA-free baby bottles, cloth diapers. A chunk of sales goes to environmental causes and there’s a full slate of classes (cloth diapering, green investing etc.). Don’t miss the Bike Furniture Design pieces made of wheel hoops. 1109 Vine St., (513) 721-7275, www.parkandvine.com”

Thank you, Joy and Cincinnati Magazine. We love you

The inevitable arrival of spring means that we’re gearing up for the season change with a bunch of new arrivals that are practical, ecologically-friendly and kind to the wallet. Here’s the lowdown on the newbies either already here or in transit:

• It took awhile, but we’ve found the right clothing line for the store. prAna is a great company known for it yoga and climbing apparel. And the clothing is affordable. We’re most excited about the quick-drying Stretch Zion Pant, which is designed for outdoor adventures.

prAna Stretch Zion Pant

• What’s more ecological than line drying? Try the outdoor rotary style dryer. Made in Switzerland by a 60-year-old company, the Stewi First Lady Rotary Dryer is a line dryer’s dream come true. This completely collapsible beauty is made from aluminum construction. It’ll make you want to ditch your dryer and invest in clothespins and sunshine.

Stewi First Lady Rotary Dryer

• Camden Rose is a collective of designers, artists, teachers, musicians, craftspeople, and parents whose wares are handmade right here in the USA using natural materials with a “leave no footprint” philosophy. We’ve started with a collection of rolling pins, baby teethers and a child-size mop and broom. Camden Rose’s Waldorf-style play-stands and wooden kitchens can be special ordered.

Camden Rose Yesteryear Broom

• ZephyrWoods Jewelry For Change is totally cute and totally affordable ($8-$12). These beautiful wooden pendants are made by etsy artist Linda Stanek who vows to “pay it forward” by donating 10 percent of her jewelry-making profits to KIVA, the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending Web site.

ZephyrWoods Jewelry For Change

• This handy, innovative product makes it easy to cut down on the wasteful cycle of sandwich and snack baggies. Since each time you reuse a plastic bag you save money, the Plastic Bag & Bottle Dryer pays for itself over time. A portion of the profits goes to environmental organizations.

Plastic Bag & Bottle Dryer

• For the stylish baby and kid in your life, we’re pleased to introduce adorable Little Lark. The onesies and short and long sleeve T-shirts are screen-printed and made in the USA, with most styles on organic cotton. The designs are fresh, bold and bright. If you’re tired of pink flowers and blue trains, these are a welcome addition to your little one’s wardrobe, and are ideal for birthday and shower gifts.

Little Lark Bike Shirt

• Thirsties diaper covers are the newest addition to our cloth diaper lineup. These well-loved and highly-rated covers are made in the USA in a variety of colors with lots of sizes to choose from. Thirties are great paired with prefolds, flats and fitteds.

Thirsties

• BOOB nursing-wear, another Swiss find of Park + Vine employee Elizabeth Whitton, provides flattering essentials to breastfeed your baby discreetly with comfort and ease. Feel your best in high quality tops designed to merge fashion with function and make you look great. You can easily nurse with your baby in a sling or wrap without anyone knowing. Many styles come in organic cotton.

Work is underway on an update to Ohio-Kentucky-India Regional Council of Government’s popular Cincinnati Bike Route Guide. Like the county guides for the region, the Cincinnati guide shows bicycle suitability ratings for area streets, based on feedback from experienced adult cyclists. It covers the central part of Hamilton County (including the city of Cincinnati) and the northern parts of Campbell, Kenton and Boone counties in northern Kentucky.

Designed to assist with planning commuting and utilitarian trips, the map gives information on Ohio laws, bike maintenance, riding tips and other resources. It’s scheduled for publication in time for national Bike Month in May.

Hooray!

Yes, we’re talking about another reusable bag here, but this is a green store after all so we naturally get excited about this sort of thing. The item in question is the ChicoBag rePETe Original. It follows the original reusable shopping bag design, but it’s made from seven plastic bottles. That translates to 99 percent recycled content, which makes us very happy. Each rePETe, which includes a list of materials used in its manufacture, effortlessly fits in your pocket via the integrated stuff pouch. Unlike most reusable bags, the ChicoBag is designed to make sure you always have your little bag on hand.

ChicoBag rePETe Original ($10)

BAG FACTS

• Materials: Fabric 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate, Carabiner 97% recycled aluminum, Cord 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate, Cord lock 100% recycled polyurethane (thread, screen print, care label made from virgin material)
• Dimensions: Bag 18″x14.5″, Pouch 3″x4″ (approximately)
• Weight: 1.5 oz
• Capacity: 25 lbs. (approximately 7 lbs.)
• Washing: Machine wash cold, hang dry

Tee Hugger T-shirts are here. They’re from a local company, Ripple Junction, that is committed to environmentally friendly practices. All of their T-shirts are made from 100 percent organic cotton which means they’re free of chemicals and pesticides. They look good and feel great. Each shirt is $25 and contains instructions (’Be a Tee Hugger’) for living a more sustainable life on the inside. We’re in love.

‘Peace for the Planet’ (Sizes: Men’s S, M, L, XL)

‘More Trees Please’ (Sizes: Junior S, M, L, XL)

‘Burn Fat Not Oil’ (Sizes: Junior S, M, L, XL)

Inside each shirt: Be a Tee Hugger

Customer demand and our own obsession with coffee means that people can sign up for a weekly subscription to locally roasted beans available for pickup every Friday at Park + Vine. This is a great way for people to create a relationship with a local roaster, La Terza Artisan Coffee Roasters, and receive a weekly stash of good coffee.

Simply choose the coffee (below) you want and e-mail info[at]parkandvine[dot]com or call (513-721-7275) your order before 7 p.m. each Wednesday. One pound (16 ounces) of coffee costs $12.50 and comes in a biodegradable bag. A credit card will secure your order. Orders can be picked up as early as 11 a.m. Friday. Park + Vine is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.p>

The following coffees are available to Park + Vine folks:

1. Brazil Daterra Estate Villa Borghesi
2. Brazil Daterra Estate Sweet Collection
3. El Salvador Pacamara “Las Delicias”
4. Park + Vine blend of Honduras Cosogual and New Guinea. It’s a dark roast. Each cup carries a full body, dark smoky undertones with subtle notes of fruit and sweet maple syrupy aromas
5. Slightly higher in price is Cup of Excellence. It is amazingly complex and a great model for sustainability. Available in half pound ($11) and one pound ($20)

Craving even more coffee knowledge? Sit down with Chuck Pfahler and Les Stoneham of La Terza Artisan Coffee Roasters and get the basics on home coffee brewing 11 a.m. March 7 at Park + Vine. Topics include the importance of using whole bean over ground coffee and correct water-to-coffee ratio. This is the first in a series of three free workshops. RSVP info[at]parkandvine[dot]com or 513-721-7275 before March 6.

Cincinnati City Council approved the Cincinnati Farms Motion today, advancing an initiative to lease-out underutilized city-owned parcels for agriculture. Here’s a letter from Councilman David Crowley summarizing this victory for city neighborhoods:

Good Afternoon,

I want to thank everyone again for your continued interest and support for the “Cincinnati Farms” motion which moves that the City of Cincinnati lease out city-owned parcels of land for urban agriculture.

This afternoon City Council voted in favor of the motion.

The emails, calls, letters, testimony at committees, and the on-line petition that was sent to us showing more than 250 signatures (in 5 days!) lets the Mayor and City Council know the broad interest in seeing Cincinnati support urban agriculture initiatives such as the Cincinnati Farms motion.

I will be meeting with the administration to discuss how this legislation will be implemented, and will let you know the next steps for those who are interested in participating.

The first year is a “pilot” where 10-15 parcels will be leased out for gardens. The success of this pilot will determine whether access to city-owned parcels of land can be opened up to more lease-holders in the future.

I know Spring is soon around the corner, and potential lease-holders and participants are eager to get started.

Thank you again,

Sincerely,

David Crowley

Making your own shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste is somewhat of a lost art, but it’s making a comeback. Here’s your chance to learn how to do it yourself with procured herbs and other natural ingredients at DIY Herbalism for the Thrifty Greenie 11 a.m. Feb. 7 here at Park + Vine. Park + Vine pal and local herbalist Abby Artemisia is leading the class, which costs $40 and is payable upon arrival. RSVP abbyartemisia[at]yahoo[dot]com before Feb. 6.