North Carolina gave the world Krispy Kreme. And while everyone loves a donut now and then, it’s great to see all kinds of eco-friendly stores popping up in the Tar Heel State.
In this article, we’re going to be friendly guide to the top 10 eco-friendly stores in North Carolina that you need to visit. Whether you’re a permanent resident or you’re planning to stop by there soon (or even study there), we’ve got you covered for food, supplements, clothes, and more.
The Regeneration Station (Asheville)
The Regeneration Station is an eco-friendly second-hand shop that’s aimed at conscious consumers who abide by the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” mantra: they want to help you reduce your consumption of new goods and help to do your bit for the planet.
They stock literally everything, and their inventory is gathered from junk removals, location auctions, donations, and consigning.
What else? The store donates each week to Homeward Bound WNC and Western Carolina Rescue Ministries.
Online shopping? No.
Address: 26 Glendale Ave B, Asheville, NC 28803
Visit The Regeneration Station
Ware (Asheville)
Ware is a zero-waste store that is all the good things — it’s fair trade, eco-friendly, and there are plenty of reusable alternatives to what you previously thought was a single-use product. And the best thing is that they sell gift cards, which means you can introduce your friends and family to the wonderful world of Ware and zero-waste.
They sell wares for you and your home, with products including travel mugs, gallon bags, and organic face masks.
What else? Ware have a growing list of refillable products available, including shampoo and conditioner.
Online shopping? Yes
Address: 51 College St #1A, Asheville, NC 28801
Visit Ware
The Vine Natural Health Shoppe (Raleigh)
The Vine Natural Health Shoppe describe themselves as a “locally owned, natural health store.” Their mantra is that knowledge is power, which essentially means that the more you know about diet and eating wholesome food, the more empowered you’ll be, both physically and mentally.
We really like the sound of that. Among the brands that they sell are Irwin Naturals and Nordic Naturals, and they specialize in specialty items, especially vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
What else? You can buy healthy pet supplements here, too!
Online shopping? No.
Address: 506 Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Visit The Vine Natural Health Shoppe
Earth Harvest Health Food (Burlington)
Earth Harvest Health Food is a supplements and natural food store that “sells products derived from the earth to achieve a healthy lifestyle.”
They sell functional foods to the Burlington area, as well as personal care products that have been selected for their low toxicity index.
What else? Earth Harvest Health Food also offer services, including weight loss services and natural therapies.
Online shopping? No.
Address: 2639 Ramada Rd, Burlington, NC 27215
Visit Earth Harvest Health Food
The Greener Apple (Charlotte)
The Greener Apple proudly wear their vegan and eco-friendly colors on their sleeves. Founded by Lee Rathers, who first fell in love with Charlotte in 1999, the store “strives to be a source for the eco-minded and vegetarian/vegan community of quality eco-friendly goods.”
All their products, which range from food stuff to baby supplies, are cruelty-free, and the store is just the cutest thing you’ll probably see this year.
What else? You can buy The Greener Apple t-shirts!
Online shopping? Yes.
Address: 1306 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
Visit The Greener Apple
Ninth Street Bakery (Durham)
Mhmm. Can you smell that? That’s the smell of organic baked goods, which you can buy fresh from Ninth Street Bakery. The menu includes all kinds of wholesome breads, such as sunflower bread and sourdough, and there are also cakes available too, including toasted almond cake and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Scrumptious!
What else? Ninth Street Bakery also operates as a wholesaler that services local restaurants and cafes.
Online shopping? Yes (with discounts!)
Address: 136 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701
Visit Ninth Street Bakery
Green Mother Goods (Asheville)
Green Mother Goods is a 100% original eco-friendly store that concentrates on fair-trade products. They also sell up-cycled goods (lots of clothes!), goods that are made from bamboo and hemp, and they’re all B-corp certified (which means that they’re the real eco deal!).
What else? Anything you can think of is probably here!
Online shopping: Not yet.
Address: 21 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Visit Green Mother Goods
Deep Roots Market (Greensboro)
Deep Roots Market describe themselves as the Piedmont Triad’s only natural food cooperative. They specialize in organic food and product, and their deli’s fine selection of fresh foods are made in-house on the daily.
With a focus on promoting environmental responsibility and well-being, the store has been around since 1976.
What else? Deep Roots Market added bike deliveries of groceries in April when the pandemic hit. There’s also an ‘at-risk’ shopping hour available from 9 AM to 10 AM Monday to Friday.
Online shopping? Yes.
Address: 600 N Eugene St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Visit Deep Roots Market
Mount Inspiration (Asheville)
Mount Inspiration’s mantra is “play in, love and respect nature.” They sell clothing that is made from rPET (recycled polyester) and organic cotton, and their focus is on sustainable choices.
Aimed at outdoor lovers and free spirits, this is a clothes store that proves you can be cool and eco-friendly.
What else? Mount Inspiration is a member of Patagonia’s 1% for the Planet
Online shopping? Yes
Address: 32 A Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Visit Mount Inspiration
Green Dream Beds (Durham)
Green Dream Beds sell organic bedding, mattresses, and pillows. Their mission is to change the way we sleep by allowing us to go to bed with a sounder conscious now that we know we’re doing our bit for the environment!
As well as being 100% sustainable, Green Dream Beds’ products are designed for a comfy night’s sleep, and their manufacturers include Suite Sleep and Honest Sleep.
What else? Free delivery is available
Online shopping? Yes.
Address: 3401 University Dr, Durham, NC 27707
Visit Green Dream Beds
For more sustainable good food places in North Carolina (or anywhere else in the U.S.), be sure to sign up for NatureHub! 😉
