classy glass and eco-shopping

An established Las Vegas business prospers, while a green one opens in Reno.

By NEVADA MAGAZINE | January/February 2009

Photo: PR (Above: Glassic Art; Below: EcoReno)

If you want an idea of the elegance of Leslie Rankin’s Glassic Art business, make a reservation at the Le Cirque restaurant in the Bellagio next time you’re in Las Vegas. There, you’ll see the decorative glass on display inside one of Vegas’ most luxurious properties. Glassic Art is also on display in major cities such as Dallas, international travel destinations like Puerto Rico, and private residences.

It’s a testament to how far Rankin has come in 22 years, when she first opened up shop in Nevada’s biggest city. Before that, she spent eight years experimenting with paint coatings, sandblasting, and welding to refine a formula for coloring glass without using heat. The custom glass is used in anything from doors and windows to staircase railings and countertops.

Sustainable living store opens in Reno

EcoReno, which aims to help consumers reduce waste, buy recycled materials, and live in more sustainable ways, opened in downtown Reno last fall. The retail store, owned by Marc and Morgan Tiar, carries goods such as household products, pet supplies, composting aids, and an extensive selection of natural personal care products.

The emphasis is not only to sell, but also to educate, in offering items that will encourage conservation and decrease pollution. At EcoReno, you’ll find compost bins, kids toys made from recycled plastic, solar backpacks, and books on green living, to name a few. The business also plans to host regular lectures and educational programs featuring experts on a variety of ecologic issues.
 
“On both a local and global level, we want to take small steps to reduce our impact and preserve the planet for future generations,” Marc says.