A Springfield business is leading the way when it comes to being green.

The owner of Cycles Unlimited says he learned about respecting the environment from his parents back when recycling wasn't exactly popular.  It's a lifestyle he decided to continue into his adult life.

In business for more than a dozen years, Ashley Burchfield decided to build his own store in his own way.  Ninety-four percent of the materials used during construction were recycled.

"If you drive around and look at work sites, everything goes to the landfill.  So 94 percent takes it to a whole new level." says Burchfield.

After the walls were up they were treated with non-toxic paint.  The floors are simply polished cement or renewable cork board.  Burchfield even collects rainwater into a 3,200 gallon cistern.  

"The water comes back into the store and we use it to flush toilets, mop and for all the outside hoses." says Burchfield.

The green way of life is one many of Burchfield's customers share.  

"I think it's amazing.  I think we need to as a community need to embrace people and companies that are trying to do the right thing for everything we want to do for the environment." says customer Brian Mansker.

The problem for his customers may be finding him.  Construction on Republic Road isn't making it easy.

"I actually had to find my way around because I wasn't sure how to get here." says Mansker.

Burchfield is trying to be optimistic about that.  

He says, "We think that people can figure out where to go and how to get here.  The detours are nice and they're going to be well marked, so that as long as you're heading in the direction, the detour signs will guide you here."

Customers say they come because it's a great environment in every way.

"I've been into pretty much every shop in Springfield and I think this is one the nicest, not only because it's green and it uses natural lighting, and you know solar panels, and different things to help our environment, but I think that the environment-people are friendly they want to help and they ask if they can help." says Mansker.

Burchfield says building green costs about 20 percent more, but he's 44 percent more energy efficient.  

Meantime, he says he's already teaching his 2-year-old son about a green lifestyle; a lifestyle he hopes to model for others here in the Ozarks.