The Green Shoppe
The Greene Shoppe’s logic of commitment to the community is geared towards bettering the environment. Known as a more ‘universalistic’ perspective (based on Macgregor’s book, Habits of the Heartland) that involves both “a set of of larger social and political goals” (42), McClymonds emphasizes an individualistic contribution to society by focusing on the single consumer and their use of environmental-friendly products that have long-term (and big-picture) benefits. Whether it be educating consumers or finding products that are economically efficient (with fewer chemicals), the Greene Shoppe works to spread awareness in Meadville’s community to contribute to a safer consumerism in America.
In her navigation of the business’s relationship with the town, Julie McClymonds, the owner and founder of the Greene Shoppe shares that she encourages new and upcoming ideas that are put out in Meadville’s community. McClymonds states,“I also am a firm believer that if somebody has an idea, support it, you know, you may not agree, see eye to eye, but if somebody has the interest or the willingness to put something out there, absolutely give them a thumbs up and at least let them try because that's what part of the community is about”. From what McClymonds has seen of Meadville in its recent development, she notes that many community members are becoming aware of the town’s resources and potential. She notes that the town’s new future is on the rise: “You know, I think, Meadville again is going through some different transitions and I think that there's some, it's a really great upbeat upswing right now. There are people who have kind of woken up and realized that we do have a town that's worth living in, worth saving worth revitalizing. I sometimes used to say that Meadville was a place where time forgot, you know, wherever it's just eh... (struggles for a word). This is just how we live and people are finally going “Oh actually, we deserve it. We deserve to have a really great downtown. We deserve currencies and stuff.” As the town opens its eyes to new paths and enterprises, McClymonds remains a community member open to change and new ways of finding a stronger, more nourished Meadville.
Click HERE to listen to Julie McClymonds' words on her business and the community.
