Whether they're making eco-friendly products, reducing energy consumption, or recycling, a growing number of Michigan businesses are going "green."

James Legato, owner of Eastfield Laundry in Traverse City, says turning his business into a green business started with some recycling bins.  Now, the landromat uses energy-efficient washers and dryers.  Old light fixtures have been replaced with new, energy-efficient lighting.  Legato has also teamed up with Ruth Smith to develop a line of eco-friendly laundry soap.

Smith says a lot of research has gone into Selestial Soap from the product itself to packaging, labelling, and shipping.  The goal is to reduce the impact on the environment as much as possible.

Legato and Smith say keeping the environment in the forefront can present some unique challenges.  The business owners strive to use only materials and ingredients that come from Michigan, rather than shipping supplies in from elsewhere.  When many people have a specific idea of how laundry soap is supposed to look, smell, and work, Smith says it can sometimes be difficult to convince new customers to try something different.

The green factor of the business has been good for business, according to Legato.  He says customers often compliment the laundromat on the eco-friendly practices.  The laundromat's green practices have also attracted some new customers.

Smith says starting a green business can be as challenging as any business, but she feels especially rewarded because she's working toward saving the Earth.  "There's a mindset out there that it costs more to be green," Smith says, "but it doesn't.  It actually costs less.  We're just using the resources that God gave us, using common sense, and being thrifty."

According to the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, there are currently no state or county requirements defining a green business. A number of national organizations offer certifications for meeting certain eco-friendly standards.

For more information on Selestial Soap:  www.selestialsoap.com