Birdbath Neighborhood Green Bakery - Sustainable & Responsible Business of the Week

Birdbath Neighborhood Green Bakery (New York NY) is an eco-friendly bakery like no other. A creation of The City Bakery, there are two Birdbath locations in Greenwich Village. Pastries are baked at the east location and transported via bicycle rickshaw to the west location. Pastries, of course, are made from local and organic ingredients. But how does Birdbath incorporate sustainability into its business practices and operations?

At Birdbath, the walls are made of wheat, cups made of corn, and countertops made of 100% recycled paper. The bakery was constructed with water-based stains and sealers and used non-toxic paints inside and out. The bakery chose recycled or reclaimed materials for the floors, front door, tin roof, and light fixtures and uses energy-efficient lightbulbs. Birdbath composts, recycles, and is solar-powered. The bakery also offers a 25% discount to those arriving by bicycle or skateboard. And staff wear custom-made jackets made from linen, hemp, and vintage clothing.

Maury Rubin opened The City Bakery in 1990 and his first Birdbath bakery in 2006.

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