Economic Developmentfarmers markets: have regionally and organically grown produce. Some have other farm produce, such as flowers, hand crafted items, baked goods, wine, wool, even regional cookbooks. Farmers markets and small family farms are kept going, and the countryside remains green, plus the food doesn't have to travel far, so it's nice and fresh. You can experience the changing of the season as each new crop takes its turn showing up at the market. It's often very neighborly at farmers markets, too.
organic food: grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, and no chemicals or waxes are added after harvesting either. If processed, it is usually prepared in a way to maximize the nutritional value to those who eat it. Organic produce, prepared food, dairy & meat is becoming more popular and easier to get all the time. Some natural food places include fair trade practices in their definition of ecological foods. Some supermarkets have a few kinds of organic vegetables amidst a large selection of conventionally grown produce. Should this store get the organic food Icon? You have to decide.
vegetarian, natural and healthy cafes and restaurants: The local context for natural needs to be set, but everywhere, the emphasis is on wholesomeness and healthful eating of fresh foods. Perhaps the ingredients are organic, and vegan foods (no animal products whatsoever) are served. The meats come from animals that are "free-range" and ethically treated. Some cities include cooperative owned cafes and a wide range of ethnic cuisines in this category.
green products: likely to have a few ecological and conserving products among many that are conventional. These stores may have a special display that explains the green goods' advantages. In fact, you may want to mention the eco-display (or products) specifically (on your database or on the Map itself). In Calgary, Green Product selection was based on the following criteria; necessity of product, safe to use, quality, made from renewable or recycled materials, has responsible packaging, included information on manufacturing practices, options for disposal, whether it is locally produced and consideration of overall business practices.
strictly green stores: has only eco and conserving products. Now, you may not agree that 100% of them are truly a big improvement, but the intention, method of production, materials, reductions of impacts in use, store policies and so on, are all going in the right direction.
partly green stores: this "light green" category includes somewhat green and socially responsive products and policies, but doesn't offer many things that "go all the way". Fair trade and social workshop stores can use this Icon. Look closely at the shop's products, ask questions and decide the right category with your Team. Maybe it's cosmetics promoted as natural and socially responsible, but yet the brightly-colored petrochemical-based products donıt really have many eco-advantages. Maybe the store has a nature theme, but has too many plastic novelties mixed in with the educational stuff. Consider adding your definition with this Icon.
green businesses & services: the last 5 items listed with the examples above fit into this category. Balance with resources that help businesses become greener, and organizations that refer inquirers to good businesses. You can create a strict criteria like Oakland, California, or use a softer approach to selecting businesses. You can leave them off and let the community discussion help to decide what to include in the next edition.
bike site: good place to buy, borrow or rent bicycles, work bikes and other kinds of human-powered vehicles. Organizations and places to find out about bike safety or advocacy. This Icon can used to indicate other kinds of bike-friendly services and sites.
revised 2-4-99
text from the Green Map System's Guide to Green Mapmaking, İModern World Design 1999