From reducing plastic waste to supporting local artisans and farmers who prioritize sustainability, practicing eco-conscious choices can be easier and more accessible than you might think. Let’s explore eco-friendly and sustainable living options available in our area.
Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Zero-waste shopping is a great way to reduce your consumption of product packaging including plastic, film, and other materials that cannot be composted and/or recycled/reused. Zero-waste stores stock the same food, personal care products, and household goods as traditional grocers, but they are not individually packaged. These shops require you to BYOC (bring your own container) or purchase a reusable one to use time again.
Some local places for shopping zero waste:
- Ekologicall is a zero waste and refill shop embracing imperfect sustainable living. Find their variety of eco-friendly products in several locations across Charlotte including Innovation Barn, Charlotte Collective, and That’s Novel Books (Camp North End). Check out their website for pop-up locations, shop for items, and even choose to pick them up or have them delivered.
- Select products are available at national health food stores like Sprouts, Earth Fare, and Whole Foods. These stores offer bulk, dispense-your-own items like nuts, granolas, flours, and more.
- Local Farmers Markets are a great place to find fresher produce, meats, eggs, and artisan goods directly from farmers. Plus, you’re shopping locally with less waste and transportation time than at a grocery store.
Shop Farm-to-Table
Shopping at your local Farmers Market is not only a great way to support your local community, but it’s typically healthier and more cost-effective than your average grocery store purchase. You can find artisan goods, produce, and more directly from the source and make purchases without the extra packaging you might find in traditional grocers. Shopping farm-to-table also avoids the time spent transporting goods from far-off locations to stores, which traditionally produces more carbon emissions with ground or air transport.
Explore Charlotte’s local farmers markets:
Bring The Farmers Market To You
Not able to visit a local market regularly? You may also consider joining a CSA (community-supported agriculture) crop share that allows you to get locally-grown produce regularly. It’s similar to a subscription service with a local farm. Get fresh, seasonal produce delivered or pick it up at a designated location based on your paid agreement. Speak directly with the farmers who grow your food, share recipes and best practices, and know that your dollars are positively impacting your local economy and local farmers. A Helen Adams Realty favorite is Wild Hope Farm.
Locate CSAs in your area: USDA Directory, South Carolina, Carolina Farm Stewards
Other Eco-Friendly Practices
Simple, everyday choices as a consumer and/or homeowner can make an impact toward sustainable living. Make choices to reduce purchases of single-use packaging, drive less, and reuse/recycle materials are great first steps.
- Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Opt for reusable produce bags and shopping bags to tote your purchases, versus relying on store-provided plastic bags.
- Composting: Support your own garden at home by composting your household waste, or drop off your compost to one of Mecklenburg County’s disposal centers. You can also pick up composted materials and/or mulch from the county. Similarly, Crowntown Compost is a paid service that picks up food scraps from homes and businesses around Charlotte; you then benefit from free nutrient-rich soil bag deliveries from the compost.
- Drive Less: Charlotte has a variety of walkable neighborhoods (think Elizabeth, Plaza Midwood, Dilworth, and South End, to name a few) offering entertainment, dining, recreation, and more. Spend a day enjoying the area without driving from place to place. You may also consider biking between locations to reduce drive time. Even more traditionally car-centric neighborhoods like Ballantyne and SouthPark are expanding to be more walkable.
- Use the LYNX Light Rail system: The city has an expansive light rail system to get you from Pineville to the University Area, with 26 stops in between.
- Reduce your energy consumption: Switch to LED light bulbs, upgrade your windows to be more energy-efficient, install a tankless water heater, and prioritize energy-efficient appliances. Learn more about reducing your energy consumption and bill here.
- Recycling: Not all of your unwanted items are actually trash, many may be repurposed or have a second life with someone else. Ask your Helen Adams Realty agent for recommendations from their Sell, Donate, Recycle guide for how to clear out or clean up your space.
Embracing eco-conscious choices can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle that benefits both the environment and our local community. From reducing single-use plastics through zero-waste shopping to supporting local farmers, there are numerous accessible options available. Furthermore, composting, driving less, and reducing energy consumption can contribute to a greener future for Charlotte and beyond.