Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Retail Therapy Goes Green

Give the term “retail therapy” a whole new meaning by shopping green. Not only will you help save the planet by buying recycled and reused goods, you’ll probably save a buck too. You’ve got to feel good about that!

In addition to shopping secondhand and antique shops, you can recycle your stuff and make some extra cash by consigning clothes and accessories, toys, and other household goods you no longer use. From a $3.25 Razor scooter to a $200 Louis Vuitton clutch, metro Richmond is filled with resale and consignments shops that offer something for everyone. Here are some of our local favorites*:


Baggio
Upscale, designer women’s clothing and accessories
9744 Gayton Crossing, 754-1163

Book Exchange
One of the area’s largest used bookstores
13198 Midlothian Tpke, 379-2642

The Butterfly
Classic and traditional clothing and accessories for men, women, and children
5726 Patterson Ave, B, 288-4700

Bygones Vintage Clothing
Men's and women’s clothing and accessories circa 1900-1970
2916 W Cary St, 353-1919

Children's Market & Exchange
All things infant and children
2926 W Cary St, 359-6950

Clementine. (owned by Weaver moms Jane Crooks and Lyn Page)
Hip and trendy clothing and accessories for teens to moms
3118 W Cary St, 358-2357

Consignment Alley
Clothing and accessories for women and children, home furnishings, antiques
2470 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, 598-9177

Consignment Connection
Furniture and home décor
5517 Lakeside Ave, 261-3600

Funky Threads
Women’s clothing, prom dresses, formal wear
3020 Stony Point Rd, 267-1991

Goodstuff Consignments
Antiques, home accessories, books, and other estate liquidation
2724 Tinsley Dr, 560-4015

Halcyon Vintage Clothing
Men's and women’s clothing and accessories circa 1960-1980; cocktail dresses circa 1940-1970
117 N Robinson St, 358-1311

Impulse
Upscale furniture and home décor
431 N Ridge Rd, 288-7300

Kathi's Kloset
Women’s plus-size clothing and accessories
1551 N Parham Rd, 282-1312

Martha’s Mixture
Antiques and collectibles
1735 Summit Ave, 358-5827

Midlothian Antiques Center
Vintage clothing, furniture, prints, household goods, antiques
13591 Midlothian Tpke, 897-4913

Tumbleweed Used Books
Classics, children, large print, Virginia history, mysteries
2715 Buford Rd, 440-9333

*Everyone knows about the national chains and franchises. We chose to list only locally owned businesses for this article

What are some of your favorite consignment resale shops in the metro Richmond area and why? Any feedback on any of the shops listed here? We'd love to hear from you!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

The Biggest Picture Film Festival May 16 &17th


Check out Richmond's very own environmental film festival, The BIGGEST Picture. It takes place at the Byrd Theatre in Carytown on May 16th and 17th. What a great excuse to cross the river and experience some urban culture.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

A Win/Win/Win Situation: Buying Local


This entry is titled "Win/Win/Win" because buying local has so many advantages. By supporting your local farms you get fresher and tastier products, pump your dollars back into the local economy, and you decrease your carbon footprint because your strawberries are from Virginia and not California.

We are lucky - we have so many options when it comes to buying local. Check out the newest Farmer's Market in the West End open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The Great Big Greenhouse will be hosting the Huguenot-Robious Farmer's Market on Thursdays starting in June. Additional area Farmers' Markets are listed here.

If you have a hard time getting to a market, you can check out some local CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture: You purchase a farm "share" and weekly or bi-weekly you get what the farm has harvested. It is a great way to introduce new veggies to your family and try new recipes). Through the Fall Line Farms Co-op, you can order fruit, vegetables, beef, lamb, chicken, pork, pasta, breads and much more through their website (for an initial fee). Select a pickup location (the Southside option is the locally-owned store Gather).

Finally, if becoming a locavore seems like a noble goal to you, Local Harvest is a terrific resource, it even lists restaurants that purchase their produce and meats from local farms. Additionally, there is a new Buy Fresh, Buy Local site for Richmond in the works.

CCPS Going Greener

Great news on the Chesterfield County Public Schools front. Last week, Superintendent Marcus Newsome, Ed. D. issued a memo to all CCPS employees encouraging them to decrease their energy usage by taking the following steps:
  • Turn off computers, monitors and lights at the end of the day.
  • Turn off audiovisual equipment in training and conference rooms, as well as classrooms, when not in use.
  • Set up computers to power down when not in use.
  • Unplug mobile phone chargers anytime that you are not using them.
  • Reduce the number of electrical devices at your desk or work station or in your classroom.
  • Clear space in front of air duct supply and return grills to ensure that heating and air conditioning equipment isn't obstructed.
By lowering the schools' energy bills, more money will be available for classroom use. Thanks to the Woolridge Green Club for this information.