ERTH, a planet-friendly place to shop

One of La Conner newest retail businesses may be its most environmentally friendly. ERTH, on South First Street, next to Step Outside, is conveniently across the street from handmade la conner. Owner Stephanie Banaszak stocks custom-made lotions and candles from its owner, Robyn Bradley. Those are the most locally made items in a store with an "eco ethos."

Society has caught up with Banaszak's sustainability vision. Thirty years ago her Organic Matters store, also in La Conner, took on the role of teaching people about eco-friendly products. Products were hard to come by.

"I feel I was too ahead of the time back then," Banaszak reflected on her 1995 venture. "Today I am on time."

Now there is "so much abundance in the way of organic sustainable products and all natural products," she points out.

She opened in La Conner because she is part of the community. Sister-in-law Linda Banaszak's Caravan Gallery at the other end of First Street is only one connection. Banaszak participates with the La Conner Volunteer Fire Association, is a Chamber of Commerce member and on the La Conner Swinomish Library board of directors.

Her boutique "is about more than just products; it's about making a positive impact,"

She has stocked it with products containing organic and natural fibers and woods, some made locally by small makers. Regionally sourced wool from British Columbia and Oregon becomes bedding made in Olympia. There are lightweight summer blankets and clothing from socks to hats.

From cotton and natural fiber clothing to locally crafted artisan jewelry and fine art, ERTH embodies a commitment to sustainability. Their inventory includes regionally sourced bamboo nightwear and wool batted bedding, as well as casual sweatshirts all made in the USA. "We have several lines that are produced in the U.S., which strengthens our local market and communities," she emphasizes.

The inventory is primarily women oriented but men T-shirts are also stocked. Summer furniture is for everyone, as are candles and walking sticks. Art on the walls is from La Conner's Denise Marts and Camano Island resident Susan Cohen Thompson.

ERTH opened April 3 in the former Pac Nor Westy space managed by Rich Murphy. The exchange was symbiotic, Banaszak said, with the rustic wood décor fitting her brand. Now, with fragrances in the air, she says customers "are taken aback by how comfortable the space is; how spa-like it feels."

She took over his lease and opened close to her target date. Her planned location at what had been Jennings Yarn Shop is still not renovated. Banaszak called it "a day of miracles."

Banaszak has woven a business from a "lifetime of retail, entrepreneurship, public relations and marketing, art – I like merchandizing – design and painting." Her reach goes beyond the walls of her store. "Just by being here I am invested in community," she said and shared her creation of a "junior art walk," taking place Aug. 23.

"I am collaborating with the library, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, MoNA Link, with Alexa and Tom Robbins." She aims to unify cultural life in La Conner.

Banaszak is excited about "having my hands on the change and creating something from nothing. I am able to offer my resources in an artful way to the public, knowing they come from a responsible space."