Shop Green in Portland: Eco-Friendly Stores You’ll Love

by | Nov 8, 2024

eco-friendly stores in Portland

 Portland, Oregon, is a haven for sustainable shopping, with plenty of local stores offering ethically-made and environmentally-friendly products for customers dedicated to green living. If you’re an eco-conscious consumer, you’ll love exploring the best places to shop sustainably in Portland. Check out these eco-friendly stores, sustainable clothing shops, and eco-conscious grocery stores!

Sustainable Fashion Stores

EcoVibe

1408 NE Alberta St, Portland

EcoVibe Apparel

A treasure in Portland’s sustainable shopping scene is EcoVibe. This local company offers stylish apparel made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester. They’re committed to ethical and sustainable production practices and even donate 1% of their sales to environmental nonprofits. In addition to clothing, their store features sustainable home goods and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for eco-friendly living. Whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe or find the perfect gift, EcoVibe has you covered.

Monochromatic 

4026 N Williams Avenue Monochromatic

Monochromatic’s stated aim is to be part of positive change in the fashion industry. Integral to this mission is its collaboration with designers and manufacturers locally and throughout the US and abroad who share and act on their vision for an equitable and sustainable planet, such as by providing factory workers with livable wages and using organic cotton fabrics as much as possible.

Monochromatic’s collection is made in small batches for every pronoun and body type, and with a playful workwear vibe in primarily single-colored garments, with select prints each season.

Join their mission by supporting slow fashion, small businesses, and yourself. And feel good knowing that a portion of all sales is donated to organizations promoting social justice, LGBTQ rights, and environmental sustainability.

Origin Story 

4022 N Williams Avenue

In tandem with houseplants, planters, locally-made ceramics and imported Moroccan textiles, Origin Story carries Soluna Collective’s beautiful fair-trade, eco-conscious, organic line of clothing.

Revive Athletics 

1538 NE Alberta Street

Here’s a store that’s very near and dear to the heart of Portland Eco House’s ethic by helping shoppers take a less damaging approach to the environment. At Revive Athletics, you can find your high quality men’s and women’s secondhand active wear that won’t break your budget. They also collaborate with other eco-conscious shops in the area and help hold active events every month.

Eco-Conscious Grocery Stores 


Alberta Cooperative Grocery 

1500 NE Alberta Street Alberta Cooperative Grocery

Just a stroll from the Portland Eco House, the Alberta Co-op is a favorite of many of my guests! This neighborhood grocery store started in 1977 when a group of locals teamed up to get organic groceries on a budget. After plenty of community support and fundraising, the Alberta Co-op opened its door in the heart of the Alberta Arts District in 2001. Today, it’s packed with fresh produce, bulk foods, grab-and-go goodies, and lots of sustainable products.

Several qualities make this community store stand apart from almost all other stores.

First, although it’s small, it manages to remain competitive price-wise with the big corporate chain grocery outlets in town, often way underpricing them on items.

Second, it is collectively managed by its workers. This means that there are no general managers who rule autocratically over the rest of the employees. Instead, under the direction of the co-op’s elected board members, all the workers participate collectively in decision-making about the store’s management and day-to-day affairs.

Third, all the store’s workers are paid fair wages and benefits, with no employees earning more than twice the salary of the lowest paid workers.

Fourth, its bylaws require it to purchase products primarily from local, regional, organic, GMO-free, and socially responsible sources.

Fifth, the Alberta Co-op provides financial support to local non-profit organizations and causes beneficial to the community.

All of this is made possible by the co-op’s adherence to the Seven Cooperative Principles. These principles are:

1. Voluntary and open membership
Anyone in the community is welcome to become a member.

2. Democratic Member Control
All members get an equal vote on new board member candidates and any proposed changes in its bylaws.

3. Members’ Economic Participation
Members invest in the cooperative by buying a membership share at a nominal price, and they get compensated for their investment, typically through regular discounts.

4. Autonomy and Independence
The cooperative remains its own independent organization, with zero control by any outside organizations. If it does form any relationships with other organizations, it does so without compromising in any way its autonomy and its membership’s democratic control over it.

5. Educational Training and Information
The cooperative provides education for its members, elected representatives and workers to help them more effectively operate it and enjoy its benefits. It also provides education to the general public and thought leaders about the benefits of cooperatives.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
In order to most effectively serve its members, the cooperative collaborates with local, national, regional, and international organizations that support the cooperative movement.

7. Concern for Community
The cooperative functions in line with the perspective that what is done on the local level affects what happens on the global level. In order to contribute to the community’s sustainability, the cooperative purchases from and invests in local suppliers as much as possible, and when necessary, from non-local suppliers that align with its mission and principles.

In addition, the co-op is huge on providing financial support to eco-friendly, local, affordable, and community-based businesses — this is a shopping experience you don’t want to miss while staying at the Portland Eco House!

Cherry Sprout Produce

722 N Sumner Street

Cherry Sprout Produce is all about serving their neighborhood. It was born from Big City Produce, which served the produce needs of North Portland’s Black community for 11 years. Since 2007, Cherry Sprout Produce has been serving fresh, seasonal, and local produce at honest prices. If you love Southern cooking, you can’t miss this store because they have the best selection of ingredients for soul food. With a mission to keep a neighborhood staple alive and well, Cherry Sprout Produce brings you healthy and affordable foods. It also provides a welcoming environment for art, music, and community events.

Food Fight!

11155 NE Halsey Street

Food Fight! Grocery is a must-visit for travelers seeking an authentic vegan experience in Portland. This lively, all-vegan grocery store specializes in snacks, plant-based meats, cheeses, and fun treats perfect for your eco-friendly stay. The store also offers unique vegan goodies and even serves made-to-order vegan pizzas, wings, soft serve, and shakes. Pay a visit and experience the taste of Portland’s eco-conscious, plant-based culture!

People’s Food Co-op 

3029 SE 21st Avenue Peoples Food Co op

For people passionate about quality food, environmental stewardship, and social equity, People’s Food Co-op is a perfect store for grocery shopping. This community-owned grocery store offers an authentic, eco-friendly shopping experience dedicated to sustainability, social justice, and equitable food systems.

Also founded under the Seven Cooperative Principles, Peoples is collectively managed by its shoppers, staff, and community members, ensuring that its operations reflect the values and needs of those who use it. The Co-op sources its products carefully, often buying directly from farmers and food producers to support local and sustainable agriculture. Their Farmer’s Market is also the longest running year-round market in Portland! Through its non-hierarchical structure and commitment to fair labor practices, People’s Food Co-op creates a safe, inclusive space where Portlanders can access healthy, trusted food while supporting cooperative values and the local economy.

Other Notable Eco-Friendly Shops

Altar

81 SE Yamhill Street

This handmade fashion boutique offers an edgy, dark bohemian aesthetic. Altar features unique clothing and accessories from independent designers who prioritize sustainability and ethical production practices. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to vintage-inspired dresses, all crafted with care and a commitment to the environment.

Artifact: Creative Recycle

3630 SE Division Street Artifact Creative Recycle

Artifact is a modern design store that buys, sells, and trades all things modern, vintage, and cool, from clothing and accessories to furniture and art. They aim to create a fun and guilt-free shopping experience by recycling man-made curiosities.

Clary Sage Herbarium

2901 NE Alberta Street

Are you passionate about herbal wellness? Don’t miss Clary Sage Herbarium in right nearby in the Alberta neighborhood. This shop has been a trusted source in Portland since 2011, offering organic dried herbs, teas, essential oils, and custom flower essences. What’s more, you’ll come upon magical intention candles, crystals, and artisanal soaps! Clary Sage is committed to eco-conscious practices, using only sustainably sourced organic ingredients and biodegradable packaging. It’s an indispensable source for thoughtful, natural products that nurture body and spirit.

Community Warehouse

 Three Locations:

3961 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland

9806 SW Tigard St, Portland

819 SE 202nd Ave, Portland

The Community Warehouse store on MLK Jr Blvd near the Portland Eco House is an estate store that sells quality donated furniture to the community at large and uses the proceeds to fund its mission of providing household items for families in need. While staying at the Portland Eco House, make it a point to check out what locals are donating to this non-profit outlet — you might just find a unique souvenir with a story! This furniture bank is full of one-of-a-kind items that move fast, every day with something different that reflects Portland’s character and commitment to giving back.

Community Warehouse believes every Portland neighbor deserves a comfortable, dignified home. For over 20 years, this local furniture bank has used the proceeds from its retail store in part to collect donated household items and distribute them to families in need. Working with local social service agencies, Community Warehouse takes extra dishes, towels, beds, and other essentials and transforms empty spaces into welcoming homes. It’s a simple process with a big impact, turning what one person no longer needs into life-changing solutions for another.

Dano

3725 SE Division Street Dano

DANO is a beautifully curated shop in Portland, created by artist and designer Melissa Grandkoski to promote a conscious, radiant lifestyle. This space features plant-based apothecary goods, artisan wares from independent makers, and a unique selection of vintage clothing. 

Free Geek

1731 SE 10th Avenue

Free Geek safely & securely refurbishes locally donated technology, such as personal computers, and gives it back to the local community at no or low cost to provide the most vulnerable populations with the digital literacy skills they need to succeed and thrive. What cannot be refurbished is recycled in an environmentally responsible manner. Many good, refurbished computer finds can be had from its website, as well as in person.

Grasshopper

1816 NE Alberta Street

Since 2004, sister store to Tumbleweed, Grasshopper has put forth a delightful selection of high-quality American-made, easy-to-wear organic children’s clothing. It also boasts a selection of children’s books and non-toxic, eco-friendly toys that encourage imagination and learning.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores 

10445 SE Cherry Blossom Drive

The Portland-area Habitat for Humanity ReStores are home improvement stores and donation centers where the public can shop for new and gently used building materials, furniture, home decor, and appliances. The funds generated from sales at the ReStores support Habitat for Humanity Portland Region’s homebuilding and home repair programs.

Hawthorne Vintage Modern

499 SE 2nd Avenue, 2nd Floor

Hawthorne Vintage Modern specializes in 1940s-70s vintage items, including mid-century modern furniture, housewares, audio, lighting, upholstery, refinishing, and rewiring services.

Lounge Lizard

1426 SE Hawthorne Blvd Lounge Lizard

Lounge Lizard is an eclectic emporium showcasing a variety of mid-century furnishings, decor, and lamps. They specialize in custom reproduction mid-century lampshades and reclaimed wood coffee tables.

MadeHere PDX 

40 NW 10th Avenue

This shop celebrates Portland’s local artisans by offering a wide range of products, from handmade candles to artisanal foods, all created by local makers. MadeHere PDX focuses on small-batch, sustainable products that highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of Portland’s community. It’s an excellent place to find unique, locally-made gifts that support the local economy.

Mama and Hapa’s Zero Waste Shop

Four locations:

1389 SE Stark Street

3806 N. Mississippi Avenue

11122 SE Main Street, Milwaukie

12695 SW Crescent Avenue #130, Beaverton

Do you know recycling is not an ideal way to protect the environment? Why don’t we just ditch the plastics! Mama and Hapa’s Zero Waste Shop aims to make sustainable shopping as easy and affordable as possible. Using RFID cards to dispense various liquid household supplies by volume, they have removed the hassle of weighing products, making checkout fast and efficient. This place offers a zero-waste solution that fits into everyday life, including bathroom, body care, brushes, cleaning, kitchen, soaps and other liquids and so much more. Bring your jar and start saving the planet!

Northwest Union

738 NW 23rd Avenue

Northwest Union offers an adventurous shopping experience. Each section features different vendors, offering a diverse range of used, vintage, and consignment items for men and women.

ReClaim It

 1 N Killingsworth Street

ReClaim It is a nonprofit retail store only five minutes by foot from the Portland Eco House that invites creative minds to find unique materials to reuse, repair, and reimagine. Believing that much of what we discard still holds potential, they aim to rescue valuable items from immediate disposal and give them a second life. Their amazing volunteers have saved over one million pounds of reusable materials and put them back into the community. Since 2014, ReClaim It has partnered with the regional government Metro and the 100-percent employee-owned waste recovering company Recology to divert materials from the landfill and breathe them with new life.

Happy upcycling!

The Realm Refillery

2310 NE Broadway The Realm Refillery

Does unnecessary packaging annoy you? The Realm Refillery shares your sentiment! This specialty shop offers a sustainable, zero-waste approach to groceries. They embrace a circular economy by allowing customers to bring their own containers and buy exactly the amount they need, minimizing both food waste and packaging. Shoppers can support local BIPOC farmers while choosing ethically sourced food options that align with their values.

NO SPACE FOR WASTE!

The ReBuilding Center

3625 N Mississippi Avenue

For those interested in DIY projects and sustainable home improvement, the ReBuilding Center houses a treasure trove of salvaged building materials. From reclaimed wood to vintage fixtures, this non-profit organization promotes reuse and waste reduction by supplying affordable materials for your next home project. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to add character and sustainability to their home renovations.

Redux Boutique

811 E Burnside Street, Suite 116

Redux is a boutique and gallery that specializes in upcycled and repurposed art and fashion. You’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces made from reclaimed materials, turning trash into treasure. This shop is perfect for those who love unique, eco-friendly fashion and home decor items that tell a story.

Scrap Creative ReUse

1736 SW Alder Street Scrap Creative ReUse

Attention eco-conscious tourists and DIY enthusiasts: SCRAP is a donation-based creative reuse store in Portland. They aim to inspire sustainability and creativity by making reusable materials accessible and affordable. Here, you will find an ever-changing array of affordable materials for arts, crafts, office needs, and parties–all donated to reduce waste. Your purchase directly supports SCRAP’s efforts to keep usable items out of landfills. Enjoy your treasure hunt!

Sock Dreams

7980 SE 17th Avenue

Known for their unique and comfy socks made from sustainable materials. Sock Dreams has a wide variety of options, including vegan and eco-friendly choices, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Their colorful and quirky designs make them a favorite among locals and visitors alike, perfect for adding a touch of fun to any outfit.

Thee Lucky Bastard

521 NE Davis Street

Thee Lucky Bastard offers a treasure trove of cool stuff, including oddities, antiques, vintage wear, records, furniture, and taxidermy. The store is known for its large, eclectic selection of goods.

Upstairs Basement

4831 SE Division Street

Upstairs Basement offers architectural salvage, vintage ephemera, curio, scavenged artifacts, and industrial design staging. The store is known for its unique and amazing items.

Vacancy PDX

2137 E Burnside Street, Suite C. 

Vacancy PDX combines fashion, live music, cocktails, and craft beer to create an unforgettable shopping experience. The store is a destination where art, style, and tastes seamlessly merge.

Way of Being

3418 SE Hawthorne Blvd Way of Being

Way of Being is an inspiring Portland shop for anyone looking to make sustainable, intentional choices in daily life. They offer a range of products designed to be reusable, long-lasting, and responsibly sourced.

By purchasing at Way of Being, you also support diverse minority-owned businesses: 7% of their vendors are Black-owned, 5% Latinx-owned, 6% AAPI-owned, 2% Indigenous-owned, 5% LGBTQ+-owned, and 61% woman-owned. What’s more, with a nearly plastic-free selection and sustainable materials, Way of Being ensures each item aligns with its mission to “minimize harm and maximize impact.”

Workshop Vintage

4011 N Williams Ave, Portland

Workshop Vintage offers a curated selection of women’s fashion, quirky collectibles, handmade wares, accessories, and gifts from local designers. The store is known for its unique finds and eclectic atmosphere.

Where to Stay

Portland Eco House

Patio Suite Covered Porch 1 

When you’re in town for a sustainable shopping spree, staying at the Portland Eco House is the perfect choice. Located in the Alberta Arts District, this eco-friendly guesthouse is within easy reach of many eco-friendly stores.

Portland Eco House offers stylish rooms with organic bedding, a fully-equipped kitchen for plant-based cooking, and a lovely patio and fire pit to unwind after a day of shopping. With its strong commitment to sustainability and beautiful decor, it provides a welcoming and environmentally responsible home base for your stay.

Why Choose the Portland Eco House?

The Portland Eco House goes beyond just providing a place to sleep. It embodies the principles of sustainable living that Portland is known for. Each room is thoughtfully designed with eco-conscious materials, from organic cotton linens to energy-efficient appliances. The patio is perfect for relaxing and reconnecting with nature after a busy day exploring the city. Plus, the guesthouse’s prime location in the vibrant Alberta Arts District means you’re never far from Portland’s best dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Make the Most of Your Stay

While staying at the Portland Eco House, you can take advantage of local knowledge. As your host, I’m passionate about sustainability and can offer tips on the best eco-friendly spots to visit, from farmers’ markets to hidden green spaces. I’m happy to also suggest local events and activities that align with your interests, ensuring your trip is both enjoyable and environmentally friendly.

Experience Portland’s Green Side

From vegan lifestyle goods to sustainable home products, Portland’s eco-friendly shops make it easy to support ethical businesses. And by staying at the Portland Eco House, you can carry your commitment to sustainability through to your accommodations. It’s the perfect pairing for an Earth-friendly getaway centered around conscious consumption. Explore the city’s happening neighborhoods, indulge in delicious plant-based cuisine, and shop with a clear conscience, knowing you’re supporting a community dedicated to making a positive impact. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to experience in Portland’s thriving green scene.

Very well organized, peaceful & quiet, immaculately clean. The compact design worked out very well for us. We appreciated the Eco considerations. An outstanding location to explore the Mississippi St. area and all the restaurants & shops. Scott provided excellent advice on local restaurants and things to see. We want to come back and stay again!

D. F.

Portland Eco House Guest, August 2024

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