Covington's Greenup Café getting greener

In an effort to integrate itself deeper into the local community, Greenup Café, at 308 Greenup Street in Covington, is beginning to incorporate several green and sustainable business practices.

"We're basically gradually going green," says Janna Williams, Greenup Café's new general manager.  "It's a change that's being made to be more locally inclusive."

On the menu, the café will be incorporating more locally-grown meats and producfrom Findlay Market, and is offering fair trade, organic coffee from Cincinnati's own Coffee Break Roasting Company.

The café's on-site herb garden will be fed by a compost pile.

"That will give us more carrots, tomatoes, et cetera that we can use here in our space," Williams says.

Williams says that they're trying to be more energy conscious by leaving lights off during the day, and are exploring ways in which they can cut down on their use of chemicals.

"We function on the lowest level of light that we can," she says.  "If we can turn a light out, we do.  Any lighting needed will be from energy efficient bulbs.  As far as chemicals, we're going to have a green alternative to all of our cleaning products."

Williams adds that they plan to use low-flow faucets and hand dryers in the restrooms to cut down on water and paper towel waste.

On its website, Greenup Café is soliciting additional ideas on how it can operate in a more sustainable, neighborhood-focused way.

So far, Williams has heard nothing but positive feedback from customers.

"In this economic climate, it's difficult to be green," she says.  "It's an expensive endeavor.  But why not pay a couple of extra dollars when you know that the quality will be amazing?"

Williams says that the café is working on several community events, including a "doggy happy hour", a community movie night that could feature films from local filmmakers, and fundraisers for various area organizations.

She also says that they're considering commissioning works from local sculptors to decorate the outdoor dining space.

"The goal is for Greenup Café to be not just a coffee shop, or a café, but a true community center," Williams says.  "It's about shrinking the global level down to the community."

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Janna Williams, general manager, Greenup Café