Bedford 2030 recently had the pleasure of interviewing the owner of the Katonah Reading Room Market & Cafe, Gretchen Menzies. The Reading Room is a bookstore/coffee shop conveniently located next to the Katonah Metro North Station, offering gourmet take out, ice cream, candy, books, gifts and art supplies.
Menzies has a personal desire to create lower her own impact on local and global pollution, and The Reading Room has made great strides in incorporating sustainable practices into their business model. They have reduced waste by offering discounts to customers who bring reusable cups, by offering only paper bags (replacing plastic alternatives), and offering as many products in metal, glass or compostable containers as possible. They also created a garden which supports habitats for diverse wildlife species, offer vegan menu items, and offer locally-made products with minimal plastic.