Buying Greener
Welcome to this work in progress!
Need stuff? Here is a working list of stores in our area that sell locally-made wares, items made out of organic, sustainable, or recycled materials, or anything that might be considered a greener purchase. Note–this list is primarily for non-edibles. For greener food buying, see Natural Food Markets & Restaurants. See also Second Time Around for consignment, resale, and thrift venues.
Books & Co. (Hamden)
1235 Whitney Avenue
203-248-9449
Along with second-hand books, this store sells locally-made jewelry, sun-catchers, and other gifts, as well as stationary printed on bamboo paper and sustainable “tree-free” gift bags made from stone!
Dava Boutique (Hamden)
www.shopdava.com
Find “presents for Children of all ages,” including locally made pottery, handmade stationary, mobiles and more.
Elm City Handmade (New Haven)
www.elmcityhandmade.com
You can’t get more local than the clothing, housewares, and more made by New Haven-area artists .
Etsy
www.etsy.com
On a given evening, 75 items for children hand-made by artists in New Haven. Another 18 from Hamden. And so on.
Evan’s Toy Shoppe (Hamden)
1647 Whitney Avenue
203-230-2840
In addition to the usual books, puzzles, and dolls, this independent store also carries a number of greener choices, including adorable eco-friendly water bottles, stainless-steel play cookware, a gorgeous bamboo rainstick, and really neat hand-crocheted pocket discs (think soft frisbees) made of fair-trade cotton.
FairHaven Furniture (New Haven)
www.fairhaven-furniture.com/
Beautiful, locally handmade furniture and much more.
What are we missing? Please comment below! (back to greenHaven home page)
Whitneyville Food Store in Hamden sells milk from a CT farm (in returnable glass bottles – bonus!), and I believe several of their cookies are from local bakeries, too.
Sam–Great suggestion! I’d forgotten they do that. I think they also sell bread from Judies bakery. I’ll start putting together a local food buying guide to go along with the Natural Markets page and the info on farmer’s markets that’s in the works. Thanks!
–Green Mama