Despite the tough economy, eco-friendly businesses are sprouting up in the Poconos and owners said sales have never been better.
"Even though the economy is bad and it's probably the worst year ever to start a retail store, I believe in what I am doing so much," said Rita Lacey of Polk Township.
After nine years of selling environmentally friendly products online Lacey has taken a big a leap and opened her first retail store called Close The Loop on Rt. 209 in Brodheadsville. So far, she said, business has been busy.
"The most amazing thing to me is people are coming from hours and hours away to come to the Poconos to view and purchase these materials," said Lacey.
Like her online store Close The Loop sells glass and rubber mulch made from recycled bottles and tires. The store also sells recycled flooring, tire swings and even floor mats.
All of the products sold here are made in the USA and some are even produced right here in Northeast Pennsylvania, including Waste Not Technologies in Saylorsburg.
For the past five years owner Pat Kelley has been making recycled plastic fencing out of old platic milk jus to be sold exclusively at Close The Loop.
According to Kelley eco business is growing in the area because when people think Poconos Kelly said they think green.
"They respect the environment so the fact that we are here doing environmental work kinda fits in," Kelley said.
Back at Close the loop Lacey said it's a business of doing your part to save the environment and it people are willing to buy.
"Be apart of the solution and not the problem," said Lacey.
"Even though the economy is bad and it's probably the worst year ever to start a retail store, I believe in what I am doing so much," said Rita Lacey of Polk Township.
After nine years of selling environmentally friendly products online Lacey has taken a big a leap and opened her first retail store called Close The Loop on Rt. 209 in Brodheadsville. So far, she said, business has been busy.
"The most amazing thing to me is people are coming from hours and hours away to come to the Poconos to view and purchase these materials," said Lacey.
Like her online store Close The Loop sells glass and rubber mulch made from recycled bottles and tires. The store also sells recycled flooring, tire swings and even floor mats.
All of the products sold here are made in the USA and some are even produced right here in Northeast Pennsylvania, including Waste Not Technologies in Saylorsburg.
For the past five years owner Pat Kelley has been making recycled plastic fencing out of old platic milk jus to be sold exclusively at Close The Loop.
According to Kelley eco business is growing in the area because when people think Poconos Kelly said they think green.
"They respect the environment so the fact that we are here doing environmental work kinda fits in," Kelley said.
Back at Close the loop Lacey said it's a business of doing your part to save the environment and it people are willing to buy.
"Be apart of the solution and not the problem," said Lacey.
