As sustainability becomes an increasingly urgent global concern, it’s imperative that businesses and consumers prioritize environmentally conscious consumption as eco-friendly businesses and pay close particular attention to how products and goods built and used. Companies that prioritize smart design and innovation from start to finish, from raw material selection to end-of-life product disposal, are leading the transition from a linear consumption model to a circular one.
In honor of our favorite holiday (Earth Day, of course!), we wanted to round up a list of like-minded North Carolina eco-friendly businesses in the area who are demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
These homegrown heroes and eco-friendly enterprises are leading the charge to a greener, cleaner world. Their diverse approaches to sustainable businesses exemplify a dedication to quality, circularity, community, and conservation. By supporting them, you’re not only purchasing high-quality locally-made products or services but also investing in a healthier, happier and more sustainable future for all.
DRINKING & DINING at Eco-Friendly Businesses
Highland Brewing Company is one of the nation’s top solar-powered craft breweries. They integrate sustainability into their operations by repurposing materials and byproducts, utilizing energy-efficient brewing, canning and packaging technologies, and sourcing and refurbishing used machinery and equipment.
Innovation Brewing in Sylva uses solar panels to power more than half of their business. They also emphasize limited distribution to promote freshness and reduce transportation emissions.
Buchi Kombucha, a certified benefit corporation, prioritizes regenerative farming practices in its supply chain to minimize environmental impact. They do this through strategic partnerships and other initiatives such as locally-sourced packaging and water conservation initiatives.
Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn strives to minimize their carbon footprint through sustainable production practices such as using locally sourced ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging.
Want more? These directories are full of awesome green restaurant and dining options across the state!
SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING & RETAIL businesses
Asheville Bee Charmer offers a variety of local, regional, and national honey-based products while supporting pollinator conservation efforts across the globe.
Nest Organics is an eco-boutique selling organic and non-toxic goods for children, families and the home, sourced from local makers.
Second Gear is a locally-owned outdoor consignment store selling used outdoor gear while supporting a different nonprofit each month.
Ware is a zero-waste store offering products for the home and body — everything from reusable coffee filters to bulk refill.
Reconsidered Goods is a creative reuse store in Greensboro, offering a wide range of donated items for repurposing and upcycling for practical and creative projects.
EARTH-FOCUSED SITES & SERVICES
Living Roofs specializes in designing and installing green roofs, which offer environmental benefits such as reduced stormwater runoff and lower air-conditioning costs.
Compost Now offers a convenient local solution for composting food scraps and reducing waste sent to landfills, supporting local community gardens and sustainable initiatives.
Epoch Rain Barrels repurposes plastic barrels to collect rainwater runoff, thereby conserving water, reduce erosion, and provide highly oxygenated water for plants. They also supports the community by providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and those formerly incarcerated.
Biltmore Estate’s sustainability initiatives are rooted in George Vanderbilt’s vision for a self-sustaining estate. Initiatives such as solar power, waste reduction, cork recycling, forestry management, habitat preservation demonstrate their dedication to sustainability and conservation.
The Eco-FRIENDLY Businesses of FASHION
Astral designs high-performance outdoor gear and equipment that prioritizes protecting soil and water. Their footwear uses post-consumer recycled materials and natural materials like kapok and hemp. Their sustainability timeline highlights initiatives such as PVC-free life jackets and the discontinuation of toxic PFAs.
Recover Brands is a sustainable apparel company that manufactures clothing using recycled plastic and upcycled cotton. Since its inception in 2010, Recover Brands has diverted nearly 11 million plastic bottles from landfills.
Rite of Passage is a slow-fashion label with a focus on sustainability through recycled textile waste initiatives.
TS Designs is a Burlington-based T-shirt company that focuses on sustainable manufacturing through the use of water-based inks, clean energy generation, composting, and local sourcing of cotton.
Native Spun is a textile company that focuses on reducing waste by reusing, recycling and rescuing fabric, materials and equipment.
Pamut Apparel embraces slow fashion with all-natural, GOTS-certified, recycled, and/or low-impact fabrics. Their made-to-order approach minimizes excess inventory, and even fabric scraps are repurposed or sold as craft bundles.
PLANET-LOVING PRODUCTS
Everyday Oil uses organic, wild-harvested ingredients to produce botanical skincare products that come in recyclable and refillable glass bottles.
To The Brim is a refill store in Fairview is on a mission to reduce single-use plastic and other waste. Bring your own containers to stock up on household essentials like soaps, shampoos, cleaners and more. It’s also a drop off site for compostables!
East Fork Pottery is a B-Corp AND a Climate Neutral Certified brand. They are a standard achieved by companies who actively offset and reduce all their greenhouse gas emissions. They are living wage certified and their commitment to sustainability extends into their community. And they form partnerships with local non-profit, grassroots organizations to promote a variety of social justice initiatives.
Fillaree in Durham offers refillable soaps and cleaners in a sustainable subscription model. This supports individuals and businesses looking to reduce waste through natural, non-toxic products
Diamond Brand has been producing hand-sewn outdoor gear in Western North Carolina since 1881. We employ a Triple Bottom Line approach to sustainability, prioritizing PEOPLE, PLANET & PROSPERITY in all parts of our manufacturing process and through our one-of-a-kind tent-rescue, recycling and revival program.
ICYMI: Diamond Brand was recently featured amongst some great company in Blue Ridge Outdoors’ roundup of Southern Gearmakers.
A GREENER FUTURE FOR ALL
As you can see, North Carolina is emerging as a leader in environmental sustainability and social responsibility. We are paving the way towards a brighter future for all. The earth-first champions in this list are living true to their commitment to make a positive impact through their products and services.
By prioritizing the greater good through collaboration, innovation and eco-forward business practices, these brands and businesses are preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of our beloved region for generations to come.
Whether it’s through closed-loop and domestic manufacturing, natural resource conservation, waste and emissions reduction, clean energy initiatives or overall operational transparency and accountability, together we are making a meaningful contribution to the world. Not just on Earth Day, but EVERY day.
Know any other inspiring NC-based businesses who are committed to a circular economy and low-impact living? Let us know!
You can also check out the following business directories for more green businesses across the state:
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