ECO ECLECTIC

Residing in a beach town, it’s crucial for our community to play a role in enhancing the environment and preserving our oceans. And if bikinis aren’t your thing, fret not. “Folio” recently chatted with the owner of Eco Eclectic, a fresh zero-waste shop that recently opened its doors on the corner of Third Street and Eighth Avenue in Jacksonville Beach.

Sara Fagen’s frustration peaked during her beach strolls, witnessing heaps of trash tarnishing our dunes. Determined to make a difference, she launched a shop focused on zero-waste refills with eco-friendly products at the core. Initially, Fagen operated her shop out of local farmers markets across the beach area. Since 2020, she’s spent her weeks scouting eco-friendly alternatives for everyday essentials like laundry detergents, dish soaps, shampoos and conditioners. Additionally, she sources recycled plastics, tins, glassware and other containers for refills available at her booth — now her store.

“I live on the beach, and I was seeing all this trash, so I was like, oh, what is a way that I can change this by having different products?” Fagen explained. “There wasn’t anyone local that I supported, so I was kind of like, oh crap. I have to do this myself. And then from the farmers market, it grew into the store.”

When Fagen isn’t tending to her newly established brickand-mortar store, which opened its doors in October of last year, she’s immersed in her role as a research scientist at Mayo Clinic, focusing on drug discovery — a subject close to her heart. While her primary focus lies within her store’s refill center, she also utilizes the space to champion other local vendors committed to sustainability and eco-friendliness. Within her store, Fagen hosts numerous vendors who align with her sustainability ethos, switching plastics for clay and opting for local vintage shops like Keeks Vintage over fast fashion outlets. Recycled or used books and old vinyl records find new homes instead of ending up in landfills, while spots for brands like Arcane Swim can add to the eclectic mix. Eco Eclectic hosts a monthly clothing swap as well, offering a sustainable alternative to discarding old clothes by facilitating exchanges among customers, ensuring a continuous cycle of secondhand garments being exchanged rather than languishing in landfills. Whatever does not find a home that day will either end up back on the rack or will be donated to Mission House or Salvation Army.

“We kind of wanted to inspire people to start wherever they are, whether it’s coming in to buy a plant and then they’re like, ‘Oh, we could go refill things,’”Fagen explained. “If they’re not on board with that, but they like to get thrifted clothes, we have that option too. There are so many ways to be eco-friendly, and we kind of want to be the gateway, the entry point, to all of that.”

Everything inside of Eco Eclectic is sourced locally funneling money back into our city while also being conscious of the effects the products might have on the environment.

“We try to get as local as possible,” Fagen said. “Handmade ideally. We also look for women-owned and minority-owned companies. And then for things like the refills, are we able to send those back and refill them? If not, can we recycle or reuse those containers? Are they even natural products? Are they biodegradable? We’re so close to the ocean, and these things are going down the drain. So we look for natural biodegradable ingredients while supporting local vendors.”

Sustainable shopping has often been associated with higher costs, justified by the quality of products. While this holds true, Fagen at Eco Eclectic believes in making ethical and sustainable shopping accessible to her community. As a result, her prices are unbeatable, prioritizing affordability without compromising on sustainability.

“Plastic bottle and waste reduction has been through the roof,” Fagen shared. “People bring in the same containers to refill products, which is amazing. We track how many bottles we’re saving. We want to be a hub for that and support those people that are doing cool, sustainable efforts in the community.”

The journey toward sustainable living and eco-conscious consumption is not only attainable but also essential for the well-being of our planet. We see that small changes can make a big difference. By supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability, we can contribute to a healthier environment and create a brighter future for generations to come. So whether it’s choosing eco-friendly swimwear or shopping at zero-waste stores, take proactive steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle — our planet will thank you.