Green Consumerism

What is Green Consumerism?

Green consumerism, also known as sustainable or eco-friendly consumerism, refers to the practice of making purchasing decisions based on environmental considerations. It is a form of consumer behavior that aims to minimize the negative impact on the environment by choosing products and services that are more sustainable, renewable, or less harmful to the planet.

How can you contribute to green consumerism?

Support these local green businesses:

Dogwood Refillery- Collection of curated non-toxic, low-waste and bulk refill goods to help you live a more sustainable life --> storefront closed, check again at a later date.

Dip Shampoo Bar

Bottle None Shampoo Bar

GoToob+ Silicone Travel Bottle

Bee's Wrap Packs

2. The Scrappy Elephant- keep unwanted art and craft materials out of the landfill and get them back to the community at affordable prices through their store and studio.

3. Refill Renew Cville- The easiest way to say goodbye to single-use packaging is to keep using it again and again! Refill Renew makes it easy to stock up on all personal and home care needs while keeping plastic out of the landfill.

Step 1: BYOBottle

(or use one of theirs).

Step 2:

Tare (weigh) your bottles.

Step 3:

Fill your bottles.

Step 4:

Tare your bottles again and check out.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs:

There are several CSA programs in the Charlottesville-Albemarle area. CSAs typically allow individuals to purchase a share of a local farm's produce and receive regular deliveries of fresh, seasonal produce throughout the growing season. Here are a few examples of CSAs that have been operating in the Charlottesville area:

Roundabout Farm: Roundabout Farm is located in Keswick, just outside of Charlottesville. They offer a CSA program providing members with a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers throughout the growing season.
Whisper Hill Farm: Whisper Hill Farm is a small family farm located in Madison County, near Charlottesville. They offer a CSA program that provides a diverse selection of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers grown using organic practices.
Bellair Farm: Bellair Farm is situated in Charlottesville and offers a CSA program with a wide range of produce options. Members can enjoy weekly or bi-weekly shares of seasonal vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers.
Double H Farm: Double H Farm is located in Charlottesville and offers a CSA program that focuses on sustainable and organic farming practices. Their CSA shares include a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers.
Local Food Hub: While not a traditional CSA, the Local Food Hub in Charlottesville connects consumers with a network of local farmers and producers. They offer customizable produce boxes, allowing individuals to select the items they want each week.

Farmer's Markets:

Shopping at farmer's markets is a great way to buy your produce locally which reduces transport emissions from importing goods. This practice also supports our regional farmers and consequentially, our local economy!

Check out these markets to start your local food journey:

Albemarle Farmers Market at Hollymead Town Center

Saturdays 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Charlottesville City Market

April - November: Saturdays 9AM - 1PM

Cultivate Charlottesville Market Days:

Every Tuesday, times vary;

Check out their Events Calendar for more dates and

times

Meade Park

May - September: Wednesdays 3PM - 7PM

October: Wednesdays 3PM - 6PM

IX Art Park

April - October: Saturdays 8AM - 12PM &

Thursdays 4:30PM - 7:30PM

Winter: Saturdays 9AM - 1PM

Scottsville Farmer's Market

April - November: Saturdays 9AM - 1PM

Farmer's Market at the UVA Amphitheater

12PM - 4PM dates vary, check UVAGreenDining for events

Everyday practices

Compost
1. Black Bear Composting: can schedule a pickup, apply for a bin, or bring to a facility
2. UVA collaborates with Black Bear to provide compost bins on Grounds! Drop your daily or weekly compost off at the bins around the Amphitheater, dining halls and some dorms.
3. Drop-Off Locations:
  1. City Market Composting booth through October
  2. Residential 24/7 Drop-Off
  3. McIntire Recycling Center
    1. 611 McIntire Rd Charlottesville, VA 22902
    2. Wednesday - Sunday 8:30AM - 6:30 PM

2. Reduce Meat Consumption: reduce land use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, pollution and biodiversity loss by eating more plants and less meat!

1. Meatless Mondays are an easy way to reduce your meat consumption without huge lifestyle changes
2. When you eat meat, shop local and sustainable
  1. Free Union Grass Farm at the City Market
  2. Longbottom Farm
  3. Stock Provisions
3. Vegetarian friendly restaurants in Charlottesville: