BOTW: Grasshopper 510 - Chicago Reader

Grasshopper 510

1944 N.Damen, 773-292-0510

Bucktown shoppers might be startled by how much Grasshopper 510, a new shop specializing in eco-friendly housewares, jewelry, and gifts, looks like the previous tenant, a cosmetics and lingerie boutique. That’s because the owners, not just talking the talk but walking the walk, tried to avoid as much waste as possible in their redesign of the space. And in case you’re wondering how exactly the store’s clutches (made from leather remnants, $165), stuffed toys (made of organic cotton, $28-$32) and jewelry (made of sea glass and recycled gold and silver, $26-$485) benefit the environment, there are little signs everywhere to explain. More substantial pieces include a modern S-shaped chair made of bamboo ($785) and lamps with recycled glass bases and tin shades ($360-$450). It’ll take more than outfitting the kitchen with soy-ink-printed tea towels and recycled glass tableware to save the world, but it can’t hurt to try. —Heather Kenny