green profiles

Conscientious businesses and organizations striving to protect the environment and help us reduce our collective carbon footprint.

The Patio Farmer

The Patio Farmer is a woman-owned business that tailors services to help YOU grow food at home (and reduce your carbon footprint), no matter how much (or little) space you have. Erin (owner/farmer) has years of experience growing food in all spaces and LOVES teaching individuals and community groups. Book a consultation, join or host a class, sign-up for Plant Club (monthly subscription program) or place an order for home delivery to begin (or continue) your food-growing journey. The Patio Farmer is here to help!

Location: Serving Mecklenburg, Union, Gaston and surrounding counties. For more information, email ThePatioFarmer@gmail.com or visit www.ThePatioFarmer.com.

Kings Mountain Preserve and Retreat Center

As the Charlotte area’s only Conservation Burial Ground, Kings Mountain Preserve is proud to offer the most environmentally sensitive method of burial in our nation. Bodies cannot be embalmed, and any containers must be 100% biodegradable. No concrete vaults or metal caskets are permitted. In addition, a Green Burial avoids producing an average of 534.6 pounds of harmful carbon dioxide per cremation. Facilities include an outdoor pavilion and chapel for ceremonies in nature, as well as a retreat center that sleeps up to 6.

Location: 321 Indian Springs Rd., Blacksburg, SC. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 877-375-2495 or visit www.KingsMountainPreserve.com.

Sustain Charlotte

Sustain Charlotte's mission is to inspire choices that lead to a healthy, equitable, and vibrant community for generations to come. We promote smart growth by collaborating with local neighborhoods, government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses to solve challenges to the long-term social, economic, and environmental health of our community. Affordability, livability, and access to essentials goods and services without a car are key areas for which Sustain Charlotte advocates. We invite you to become a member today.

Location: 1100 S. Mint St., Charlotte. For more information, visit www.SustainCharlotte.org.

Organic Marketplace

Over the last 29 years, Organic Marketplace has sought to be at the forefront of business practices that lessen our collective carbon footprint. Raised beds in the rear of the store for fresh organic produce for Sprouts Cafe as well as to beautify the environment. Our landscape has always been chemical-free with an emphasis on pollinator friendly plants. Packaging waste is addressed with our bulk foods, herbs, and culinary spices department. Plastic bags were discontinued eight years ago to combat plastic pollution in our oceans.

Location: 1012 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia. For more information, call 704-864-0605 or visit www.OrganicMarketplaceNC.com.

Organic Salon LKN

Lea Cassanova, owner and stylist, has dedicated herself to finding better alternatives to harsh chemicals and wasteful plastics in her salon. Opting to use organic, low- and chemical-free products, glass wherever possible, and reusable items, the salon has a low carbon footprint. “With so many people choosing the importance of living a healthier lifestyle, I am happy to offer natural services with beautiful results. You don’t have to compromise our world’s resources or health for beauty!” Schedule an appointment today.

Location: 427 E. Mills Ave., Mooresville. For more information, call 704-883-6564, email OrganicSalonLKN@gmail.com or visit www.OrganicSalonLKN.com.

Claudia Josephine Design

A 2022 Charlotte Sustainability Awards nominee for Inspiring Small Business, Claudia Josephine Design’s “ecoluxe” focus enables informed choices when building, remodeling, and decorating. Our sustainable approach encourages the reuse and upcycle of select existing elements and proposes eco-friendly, quality furnishings and décor that provide clients with enduring, timeless finishes. Sustainable, eco-friendly design can be stylish and home-healthy. To embark on a full-scale, luxury design experience, visit our website to view our portfolio and select services. Call us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

Location: Serving Charlotte and surrounding areas. For more information, call 860-796-3415, email Claudia@ClaudiaJosephineDesign.com or visit www.ClaudiaJosephineDesign.com.

Greenfaith Charlotte

Rev. Amy Brooks Paradise with Greenfaith CLT galvanizes Charlotte’s faith communities to meet this stark moment of the climate crisis and environmental injustice. “We can mitigate the climate crisis by stopping the money pipeline for oil/gas/plastics Plants that already impact BIPOC and frontline communities throughout the nation,” says Brooks-Paradise. Greenfaith CLT with Rise St. James of Louisiana join forces to stop the Formosa Plastics Plant along “cancer alley” and its funding by Bank of America.

Location: Join the Vigil/Demonstration at BofA at 11 a.m. on April 26 at Trade and Tryon in Charlotte. For more information, visit www.GreenFaith.org.

Mecklenburg County Compost & Mulch

Completing the Circular Economy with Yard Waste

Spring is compost and mulch season! Did you know your curbside yard waste (leaves, grass, and brush) is upcycled into high quality gardening products? Recycling yard waste saves landfill space, remains local and is affordable. Mecklenburg County has high quality compost available in conveniently packaged 1.25 cubic foot bags or sold in bulk, like a full pick-up truck. Reduce your carbon footprint with upcycled yard products available at the Compost Central and Foxhole Full-Service Centers. Check out www.MeckMulchMadness.com for more details.

Locations for pick-up: 140 Valleydale Rd., Charlotte; 17131 Lancaster Hwy., Charlotte. For more information, visit www.MeckMulchMadness.com.