Green Dream NYC

Margaret Potts
5 min readMay 2, 2019
Green Dream NYC logo.

We are Green Dream, a New York City-based market offering biodegradable (non) plastics and sustainable workshops for all. Our products range from food and beverage packaging to hotel amenities. We started Green Dream in 2017, after a trip to Indonesia that transformed the way we viewed single-use plastics. We saw the irreversible damage that plastic straws and bags have had on aquatic life, and we wanted to be a part of the solution. We came across a company in Bali that was making plastic products out of plants, and naturally, we were intrigued. When we got back to the states, we decided to focus our efforts on the single-use plastic crisis in New York City. We are also passionate about organic farming and local food accessibility.

We have a range of natural skincare and household products, which we source from local suppliers to aid economic growth. People know us best for our biodegradable and even edible Cassava bags. We source most of our raw materials from our sister company in Bali, Indonesia. Green Dream has been an active member in the South Bronx and East New York communities for over five years. One of our initiatives is a daily non-profit workshop that provides education and organic food to the community. Come check us out at one of our two locations in the South Bronx and East New York. We are so happy to be starting this journey for a better future with you by our side!

Our ‘I Am Not Plastic’ products are sourced from Indonesia.

Mission statement:

Along with bringing the biodegradable “plastic” movement to the United States, our mission is to educate New Yorkers on sustainable living and urban farming. Green Dream commits to educating New Yorkers of all backgrounds on the importance of reducing our ecological footprints. We only have one planet; we must protect it. We provide free workshops open to anyone and everyone within the community. We deliberately opened our stores in neighborhoods with limited access to affordable and nutritious foods. We believe our workshops can further educate the South Bronx and East New York communities on sustainable urban farming and being a part of the solution.

Our products:

We equip you with solutions made for the future. Our sister company in Indonesia inspired us to bring safe (non) plastic to NYC. Our “I Am Not Plastic” bags are made from cassava starch and are biodegradable within minutes in water or months on land. All of our cassava-based products can be easily recycled along with paper products. We have two types of straws, one made from cassava starch, which is very similar to the feeling of a single-use plastic straw, and one made of metal. Our canvas tote bags are customizable and great for everyday wear. Our natural skincare line consists of organic soaps made in East New York and organic moisturizers made in the South Bronx. All of our products are clean, safe for sensitive skin, and, most importantly, good for the planet.

Packaging with principles.

Our products function much like traditional plastic; however, the essential benefit is that they are certified biodegradable and commercially compostable. All plant-based products have been certified compostable in a commercial composting facility. Here are our Best Sellers:

Bio-cassava bag.

‘I Am Not Plastic’ bio-cassava bag. Customizable shape and design. Non-toxic ink.

Bio-Bowls. Made from cassava and cornstarch. Small, large, and medium sizes available.

“I Am Not Plastic” straw. Made from cassava and cornstarch. Cold liquid usage, Short 6 mm, Long 8 mm. Comes in black and white.

Why Cassava?

Approximately 9 million plastic particles enter our ocean on an annual basis. Cassava bags are biodegradable and will not contaminate our oceans or aquatic life. Cassava is ethically and easily sourced, and it functions similarly to regular plastic.

Hours of Operation

Mondays: Closed

Tuesdays: 10 am — 8 pm

Wednesdays: 10 am — 8 pm

Thursdays: 10 am — 8 pm

Fridays: 11 am — 7 pm

Saturdays: 11 am — 7 pm

Sundays: 11 am — 7 pm

Kids workshops:

We focus on recycling/sustainability games, healthy choices, kid-friendly urban farming, and basic cooking classes. Kids workshops are always free, but donations are appreciated. Kids will receive organic snacks during workshop time.

Ages 8 to 14 welcome to attend workshops Tuesdays from 2–4 pm OR 4–6 pm — snacks provided (Vegan, GF, Vegetarian available).

Ages 15 to 18 welcome to attend workshops on Fridays from 4–6 pm — meals provided (Vegan, GF, Vegetarian available).

Kids can enjoy homemade smoothies with their very own Cassava straws.

Adult workshops:
We will focus on urban farming, cooking, composting, and tips for sustainable living. Adult workshops are offered on a sliding scale. Children are welcome at adult classes with a parent or guardian present.

Saturdays & Sundays: 12:30–2:30 pm and 3–5 pm.

Closed on major holidays, contact us here.

Enjoy some freshly made Mojitos with your Cassava straw.

Green Dream + The Green Plan~
New York City uses at least 1.1 million pounds of single-use plastic food ware every year. NYCs new green plan says that businesses will no longer be able to buy single-use plasticware to reduce pollution. The executive order means that city agencies like schools and hospitals will have to purchase recyclable alternatives. The executive order aims to reduce NYC’s carbon emissions by about 500 tons per year, decrease plastic pollution and reduce risks to wildlife. So how do we come into play? Green Dream is offering our products to city agencies in bulk for a discounted price.

For inquiries, please contact owner Margaret Potts — margaretpotts@GreenDream.org.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and check out our Flipboard:

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Margaret Potts

Blogging my way through life Brooklyn, NY. Minneapolis, MN.