Sustainable Shopping in STL
by Katherine Dawson
Conscious consumerism or sustainable shopping has become a major topic of conversation over the past few years. Many of us are beginning to realize the impact our dollar has as a de facto means of voting. However, sustainability, at least in my mind, is not the first word to come to mind when I think about St. Louis. Or, at least it wasn’t when I first arrived as a bright-eyed freshman, having yet explored the city and all it has to offer. For those of you interested in sustainable shopping, that task might be daunting if you don’t know the city well. To ameliorate that issue, I have compiled a list of my favorite sustainable stores in St Louis.
Food: When looking for sustainable food options, it is best to look for restaurants that incorporate plant-based and local options into their menu.
Seedz: A delicious all-vegan restaurant nestled in cozy Demun. Head to seedz for vegan baked goods, smoothies, and sandwiches. Bonus points, everything is recyclable. My favorites: the chocolate donut, tropical smoothie, and malibu melt!
Whisk Bakeshop: Head over to Cherokee street (a must for any sustainable shopper) for a plethora of sustainably sourced (and allergen friendly) treats as well as some extremely friendly customer service. I always leave Whisk with a smile! Their menu changed frequently, but this adorable café is perfect for cupcake fans or more adventurous foodies. I like to grab a cup of sunshine tea to go.
Café Osage: This is honestly the cutest café, as it's situated right inside a greenhouse (perfect for pictures). Plus, the food is delicious. Their menu focuses on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients.
Clothing: STL has an abundance of vintage and sustainable clothing stores. Fast fashion is one of the most wasteful industries in the modern world. Shop these stores to limit your environmental impact and grab some unique finds.
Mesa Home: Probably my favorite of all the vintage stores, Mesa home, situated in Cherokee street, is a treasure trove of trendy vintage clothes. Visit Mesa not only for the fantastic clothing, but also but for their homemade jewelry, comfy cushions, delightful candles, and more.
Ardently: After stopping at Mesa, walk a few blocks to Ardently. Its adorable cottage core vibes will strike you instantly. This boutique features a mixture of sustainable options as well as carefully curated secondhand pieces. The owner of the store, Theresa Mucelli, is incredibly nice and might even give you some interior design tips while your inside.
Lee’s Bee’s Vintage: Though online (Covid-safe!), Lee’s Bee’s is headquartered in STL. This Etsy shop has some fantastic vintage pieces from funky 60s dresses to colorful 80s knits.
Miscellaneous: There are just a hodgepodge of a few other sustainable favorites
Flowers and Weeds: This is an adorable flower shop located in tower grove. Plants are always a wonderful way to spice up the home, but a great way to give back to the environment is to plant local flowers and plants in a garden.
Pebble Shop: Pebble Shop sells upcycled and repurposed jewelry. Everything is owned and designed by one woman, Sarah. All her designs are incredibly playful and unique, so if that’s your vibe, I recommend checking it out.
the absolute vibes of cherokee street were strong on this gloomy day.