Help the Earth & Help the Eastside
Support local brands and reduce carbon footprints. What could be better?
Words by Jessi Devenyns
While the Earth is already breathing more easily as the forced shut down keeps cars off the road and factories silent, this moment in history is only a pause before the economy looks to rev its engines and get back into gear. On the road to combatting climate change, true success looks like more action on the part of the individual, not less. However, none of this requires pledging to take non-motorized transportation or giving up plastic entirely. Instead, a contribution can be as simple as shopping locally for sustainable goods. Not only does this route help the planet, but it will also support the Eastside’s local business during this unprecedented time.
Take Heart
With a thoughtfully chosen selection of home goods at Take Heart, there are so many options to bring beautiful, sustainable design into the home. Choose from simple linen dish towels that can be repurposed as reusable napkins, or invest in a silk loofa to forego plastic. This boutique takes a thoughtful approach to craftsmanship and design with its subtle, but unmistakable, focus on the details.
1211 E 11th St. | takeheartshop.com
Balcones Recycling
Recycling is so much more than tossing leftover wine bottles into the blue bin. Old bills that need to be shredded, cardboard boxes from Amazon deliveries that need to be broken down, or old paint cans that live in the shed can all be recycled and help decrease the carbon footprint that the city leaves on this earth.
9301 Johnny Morris Rd. | balconesresources.com
The Bee Grocery
At this urban grocer, Bee Delightful’s Canna Bees Rescue Blend is available for pickup. Bring a little calm and support socially responsible honey production by purchasing this delightful mixture of raw honey and CBD. This Texas wildflower honey is harvested from non-essential stores in each beehive and supports the relocation of at-risk colonies to safe locations where they can thrive.
1001 E 6th St. | beegrocery.com
Standard Handmade
Shoes take a beating. However, they are not so fragile that they cannot be repaired to look as good as new. Instead of tossing out that well-loved pair, take them to Standard Handmade where heels, soles, and leather siding can be restored to a state of almost brand new.
3508 E Cesar Chavez St. | standardhandmade.com
Marfiel’s Tailors
Why buy new clothes when old garments can be repaired? Invest in those one-of-a-kind pieces by taking the time and care to tailor them to fit like a glove, even as time passes. At Marfiel’s, jeans can be hemmed, skirts can be taken up, and blouses can be altered to gain a new silhouette.
2703 E Cesar Chavez St. | (512) 478-3639
Eden East
Seasonal produce that is grown locally is far more ecological than fruits and vegetables transported from out of state. Local versions are also much tastier. Grab a bag of farm-fresh bounty at Eden East where Veggie Bags containing a selection of vegetables and herbs are available in two different sizes. Bags change weekly and are entirely dependent on what is currently growing.
755 Springdale Rd. | edeneastaustin.com
Austin Furniture Repair
Now is the time to take care of those ripped seams and battered table edges. Imbue well-loved furniture with new life by taking it to be repaired with care and attention. The team at Austin Furniture Repair includes professional wood craftsmen who are able to restore antiques and fine furniture as well as repair minor damage to a home’s original hardwood flooring. This shop’s services also include upholstery repair for tears, scratches and varnish imperfections.
403 N Pleasant Valley Rd. |austinfurniturerepair.org
Austin Parks Foundation
Few things are more environmentally-friendly than planting a tree or tending to a park. Not only is getting outside good for the soul, it keeps one away from cars and encourages an appreciation for nature. Austin Parks Foundation takes this love of green spaces a step further and works to improve East Austin parks one project at a time. Austinites can support the cause either by volunteering or donating directly to the organization.
1023 Springdale Rd. #4B | austinparks.org
American Drifter
Creating a new outfit or wardrobe does not require buying brand new items. American Drifter has a wide variety of vintage clothes and accessories for men and women to update their look. Not only does the shop provide unique clothes in great condition, the pieces available prove fashion never really goes out of style.
1811 Rosewood Ave. | etsy.com/shop/americandrifter
