Earth Day (April 22) is a great opportunity to take a step back and think about what kind of impact we have on our environment and the future we want to create for the world. One way we can strive to be more green and conscientious is to shop sustainably when designing our living spaces. Whether you choose to thrift it up at a vintage boutique, or shop from a small, sustainably-focused business, there are countless shops both locally and around the globe offering sustainable home goods and accessories that allow us to care for Mother Nature and the rising generation. Here are a few of our favorites:
Shop Local Retailers
Principal Design Co.
This luxury home goods store carries a collection called UPcycle, an environmentally conscious line offering one-of-a-kind pillows made from extra fabric swatches that the interior design industry would otherwise discard. In collaboration with another local Utah business, Clever Octopus Creative Reuse Center, they source these leftover fabric samples to divert them from landfills.
@principal.co
Animalia
In an effort to return to the simplicity of handmade goods and passionate artisans, as well as contribute to sustainability, Animalia sells eco-friendly and handcrafted goods. From ceramics and décor, to hygienic care, to makeup and more, they have a wide selection catering to an earth-friendly lifestyle. Animalia’s brick-and-mortar store also offers a bulk refill dispensary bar for patrons to refill their own clean containers with home products. If you don’t have your own containers, you can buy glass vessels from them.
280 E 900 S, SLC
(801) 521-4425
Cultivate Market
Shopping at Cultivate Market is another opportunity to stock your home with a wide variety of fair trade, low impact, hand-crafted, non-toxic products and décor. They partner and align themselves with like-minded artisans and farmers to support local economies and families, resulting in less pollution, less landfill waste and a more sustainable future. In-person shopping is by appointment only.
5030 S 1850 E, Holladay
(801) 232-1335
Recycle Utah
This non-profit organization partnering with the Park City Conservation Association is committed to reducing waste and preventing groundwater pollution in the community by offering a variety of collection programs, education programs, workshops and events. One such Warehouse program allows consumers to shop for new and used lumber, doors, windows, furniture, lighting, major appliances and hardware. All of the available materials are donated and support their recycling and reuse efforts.
1951 Woodbine Way, Park City
435-649-9698
Thrift Shops and Antiques
La Petite Maison Antiques
At this European-inspired antique boutique, you’ll find curated home decor, gifts and eclectic antiques. Filling your home with unique antiques adds historic charm, while also promoting a sustainable lifestyle as you shop already-existing items. As their website says, some history is worth repeating.
915 East 12600 South, Draper
(385) 308-8249
Home Again
Home Again hand-picks quality consignment housewares to offer in-store. Their inventory changes daily as they bring in new consignment pieces – follow them on social media to stay updated.
1019 East 2100 South, SLC
(801) 487-4668
7490 South Holden St., Midvale
(801) 255-5457
Haight & Ashbury Home
Old-meets-new in this local shop. Haight & Ashbury carries a collection of vintage and hand-made consignment pieces, providing another unique and eclectic home décor assortment for Utah homeowners to peruse with ease.
2233 700 E, SLC
(801) 502-0855
@haightashburyhome
National Retailers
Grove Collaborative
Grove Co. creates and sells eco-friendly and healthy home cleaning supplies and hygiene products. They also stock their inventory with sustainable and healthy brands like Mrs. Meyers and Method. The company is already plastic neutral, but has a goal of being 100% plastic free by 2025.
Clare
Clare is a paint retailer whose colors are water-based and free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or harmful chemical gasses that paints release into the air. Clare’s paint trays and liners are also made from recycled materials.
The Joinery
Based in Portland, Oregon, The Joinery creates individually hand-crafted wood furniture in a responsible business environment. Environmentally, the wood they use to create their furniture is sourced locally from responsibly-managed forests in Oregon or Washington.
Minna
Minna’s beautiful and ethically-made rugs, throws, tabletop items, art, wearables and more are created from natural, sustainable materials by artisans in Central and South America.
Itemerie
Itemerie focuses on high-quality, luxury items – décor, dinnerware, kitchen products and more – that are crafted to last, while also encouraging consumers to support their sustainable values.
Ten Thousand Villages
This ethical goods and fair trade company works with artisans from developing communities around the world to provide the handmade décor and household goods in their inventory.
Want to do more for a more-sustainable future in Utah? Read about water-wise gardens here.
