Green Stores: Where To Find Organic Food, Clothing and Home Décor in Atlanta
by Kyle Garrett

Recently, buying organic has become a quasi-religion…and with good reason. It seems like every day we hear the frightening results of a new study that links something we regularly expose our kids to to a debilitating illness. And while farming our own produce isn't an option for most of us, buying organic or all natural is. Fortunately for health-conscious parents, the number of organic foods is on the rise grocery stores, many of which now devote entire areas to organic or all-natural foods.

It's not just food that's gone organic, though. A renewed interest in protecting the environment has allowed eco-friendly niches in the clothing and home décor sectors to blossom. Here's a sampling of green stores that have health, both yours and the planet's, in mind.

Markets, Groceries and Specialty Foods

Green Market

The return of the Green Market to Piedmont Park means metro Atlanta residents will once again be able to browse a colorful selection of fresh fruits and vegetables without leaving the sights of the downtown skyline. All of the produce is locally grown, so you can feel good about supporting Georgia's family farms. And you can also feel good about providing healthy alternatives for your family, as all of the produce is either organic or all-natural. This year the market is introducing an educational series where you can learn techniques on fermentation, fruit production in urban settings, rain-water harvesting and wine making. Simpler workshops on the basics of soap and paper making entertain while they teach.

Beginning May 3, the Green Market will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through December. The market is located near the 12th Street entrance to Piedmont Park. Call 404-875-7275 or visit www.piedmontpark.org for more details.

Harris and Clark

As the grocery store at Serenbe, Harris and Clark provides a plethora of organic and all-natural goods, from organic cheeses and milk to organic ice cream and chocolate. Local fare such as honey and grits are also available. By carrying organic goods, supporting local purveyors and even occupying an Earthcraft-certified building, Harris and Clark is committed to making an environmentally responsible impact.

Harris and Clark's store hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday. The grocery store is located on Selborne Lane in Palmetto. Call 770-463-6000 or visit www.harrisclark.com for details.

Morningside Farmer's Market

Offering Atlantans an in-town, open-air option for buying fresh produce, Morningside Farmer's Market has been serving metro Atlanta since 1995. All-organic from the beginning, Morningside was the first all-organic market in Georgia and is still one of a select few across the country. And because all of the produce is grown locally, you have the peace of mind that comes with being able to put a face to the person that grows your food. Check out Morningside's spring celebration on April 12, which includes a chef demo, soap making demonstration, breakfast by Food101 and music all morning.

Morningside's market is open on Saturdays from 8-11:30 a.m., and is located at 1393 North Highland Ave. in Atlanta. Call 404-313-5784 or visit www.morningsidemarket.com for more information.

Rainbow Natural Foods

Offering a diverse mix of prepared foods, supplements and groceries, Rainbow Natural Foods is committed to supplying nourishing and ecologically safe options to their customers. In addition to offering staples like milk, eggs and chicken in organic varieties, Rainbow packs the produce aisles with organic fruits and vegetables, including some from local farmers. An extensive array of natural supplements, herbs, homeopathic remedies and essential oils provides health-conscious patrons plenty of options for preserving their bodies and peace of mind.

Rainbow Natural Foods is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. The store is located at 2118 North Decatur Rd. in Atlanta. For more information, call 404-636-5553 or visit www.rainbowgrocery.com.

Serenbe Farmer's Market

All of the vendors at this outdoor market meet Serenbe's strict standards for organic or all-natural produce. Serenbe Farms is the biggest vendor at the market, with other locally grown foods coming from the Chattahoochee Hill Country or the greater Atlanta area. The market hosts a special event each week such as live music, a chef demo, kids activity or environmental demonstrations.

Beginning on April 19, Serenbe Farmer's Market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon. The market is located on Selborne Green in Palmetto. Call 770-463-9319 or visit www.serenbe.com for more information.

Sevananda Natural Foods Market

Cooperatively owned since 1974, Sevananda has always had the well being of Atlantans in mind. The market boasts a copious selection of all things healthy, from fresh local and organic produce to vitamins and supplements, as well as bulk herbs and spices. In addition to supplying only the healthiest products to customers, Sevananda strives to make the least amount of harmful impact possible by supporting local farmers, which cuts down on the fuel needed for transportation. And the market promotes sustainability by contributing back to the energy grid via the 24 solar panels on the store's roof.

Sevananda is open every day from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. The store is located at 467 Moreland Ave. in Atlanta. Call 404-681-2831 for more information.

Whole Foods Market

Before awareness about the health benefits of eating organically were fully realized, Whole Foods Market began selling organic groceries at its first store in Austin, Texas, which opened in 1980. The chain of markets carries only foods that are all natural, and stocks the shelves with as many organic products as possible. Whole Foods has seven locations in Atlanta (including two Harry's Farmers Markets), and through the abundance of organic choices at the stores, the market supports small, independent family farms. As the first Certified Organic Grocer, the rise of Whole Foods helped catalyze the trend of eating eco-friendly, health-conscious foods.

Whole Foods Markets are located at Briarcliff, Sandy Springs, West Paces Ferry, Ponce de Leon and Duluth, with Harry's Farmers Market locations in Marietta and Roswell.

Your Dekalb Farmer's Market

If you can't find the organic food you're looking for here, you're simply not going to find it. With 140,000 square feet overflowing with fresh food from literally all over the world, Your Dekalb Farmers Market offers a vast smorgasbord of meats, cheeses, produce, seafood, wines and much more. And with nearly one-third of the food being organic or all-natural, green options are more than abundant. Some of the harder-to-find organic items available at the market include grass fed organic beef, all natural chicken and pork, organic eggs and non-homogenized organic milk. The market also has an on-site bakery, which only uses organic flour and avoids dough conditioners.

Your Dekalb Farmer's Market is open everyday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. The market's address is 3000 E. Ponce De Leon Ave. in Decatur. For more information, call 404-377-6400 or visit www.dekalbfarmersmarket.com.

Boutiques

Eco-Bella

As Atlanta's first completely organic lifestyle store, everything at Eco-Bella-from décor and linens to clothing and nursery bedding-is 100 percent organic. Since opening in Virginia-Highland in the spring of 2006, Eco-Bella has been committed to spreading the message of living a greener life. The store has relied on the idea that people want good quality products while still supporting the environment. The 100 percent organic clothing especially benefits kids with allergies, asthma and skin problems. Fittingly, Eco-Bella will celebrate its two-year anniversary on Earth Day.

Eco-Bella is open from…. The store is located at 1046 N. Highland Ave. in Atlanta. Call 404-815-4280 or visit www.eco-bella.com for more information.

Evolve

With rows of shelves full of repurposed clothing and accessories, Evolve Boutique is committed to selling eco-friendly women's clothing that doesn't sacrifice style. Nearly 100 percent of the accessories are organic or repurposed, including unique jewelry made out of tin cans, bracelets made from snake vertebra and bags made from sailboat sails. Evolve carries organic clothing lines such as Candice and Mack, Ogle's and EDUN (by U2 front-man Bono's wife, Ali Hewson), in addition to its repurposed lines. The boutique also carries Snowflake 66, Relic and Rookie Rags, all of which are locally made here in Atlanta. Check out Evolve on Earth Day for a special sale.

Evolve is open from… The store is located at 1581 North Decatur Rd. in Atlanta. Call 404-474-3244 or visit www.evolve-boutique.com for details.

Olozoo

At Olozoo Kids Home Store, moms can find organic plush toys, clothing and furniture for baby that don't contain the toxic dyes and pesticide residues embedded in many fabrics. Decorated with a contemporary flair for bold colors and minimalist décor, the store exudes an inviting atmosphere for mom and baby. Olozoo began selling organic products in July of 2007, and has added a number of organic and eco-friendly lines since. Teddy bears, child-sized furniture and all sorts of games will thrill kids and keep eco-concious parents happy.

Olozoo's hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. The store is located at 11035 Medlock Bridge Rd. Suite 30 in Johns Creek. Call 678-473-6055 or visit www.olozoo.com for more information.
 

Eco Meme

This Eco-lifestyle boutique that carries environmentally responsible clothing and gifts made from renewable resources is the newest addition to Serenbe's sustainable community. The boutique is green from the ground up, with the space itself exceeding Earthcraft standards. Eco Meme offers selections in children's clothing, toys and bedding. Children's clothing lines like Ferdinand, Kee-Ka, Kate Quinn and Coyuchi can be found on the store's shelves. Eco Meme also carries the eco-friendly Hip From Holland line, whose popular playhouses and "mobile homes" for kids are made from 100 percent post-consumable products and are fully recyclable.

Eco Meme is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. The store is located at 9110 Selborne Ln. in Palmetto. Call 770-463-3166 or visit www.ecomeme.com for more information.

Lifestyle Stores

The Home Depot

By implementing an Eco Options labeling system, The Home Depot has made a commitment to reducing negative environmental impacts. New blue labels let you know which products are more eco-friendly than the competition. Some of the organic or natural options include Clorox Greenworks, a 99 percent natural cleaner that doesn't have harsh chemical fumes or residue. TerraCycle's All Purpose Plant Food, another Eco Option, is produced by converting refined organic waste and is packaged in recycled soda bottles, so the product is 100 percent made of waste. In all, more than 2,500 products on The Home Depot's shelves met the standards of the Eco Options program.

Eco-friendly products are available at all Home Depot locations. Visit www.homedepot.com to find the location nearest you.

Verde Home

Verde Home was established with the environment in mind. While offering attractive home furnishings, Verde Home seeks to minimize how products affect the natural environment. Verde Home takes into account materials As used to make a product, the manufacturing method, energy used in transportation and if the product is energy efficient before putting it on the showroom floor. Organic products at the store include upholstery, linens, candles, and hardwood furniture, among others.

Verde Home is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. Visit the store at 1000 Marietta St., Suite 244 in Atlanta or online at www.verdehomeinc.com. Call 678-927-9113 for more information.

Waldenour

Specializing in products for interior environments, Waldenour is dedicated to bringing green, organic and healthy products to the market. The store offers all types of organic and green products for the home including everything from furniture and cabinetry to local art and metalwork. Since opening in May of 2007, Waldenour has utilized eco-friendly and locally-grown materials in an effort to enhance people's personal environment. One way Waldenour tries to keep the air clean is by using products that emit as little off gassing as possible, such as low VOC/no VOC finishes, formaldehyde free products, organic cotton and wool, and natural rubber upholstery.

Waldenour is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The store is located at 1000 Marietta St., Suite 114 in Atlanta. Call for information at 404-745-3025 or www.waldenour.com.