NEW ORLEANS – Vintage Green Review – a zero waste education, lifestyle and consulting business – has opened its first brick-and-mortar store at 3530 Magazine Street. After gauging community interest over a multi-week pop-up at the same address, the store’s owner Sarah Andert was so encouraged by the reception that she signed a lease to make her residence permanent. This marks New Orleans’ first and only zero waste store and bulk refill bar, offering locals a long-term option for plastic-free living, sustainable shopping, zero waste supplies, and the ability to refill household and personal care products in reusable containers.
Listen to Andert on the Biz Talks podcast.
While the shop is currently open for business, its grand opening weekend will kick off on Earth Day, April 22, and continue through April 25. Visitors can stop in on these days for discounted supplies, product giveaways and pop-up food vendors. The store’s regular hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. (closed Wednesdays)
Andert started Vintage Green Review in August of 2019, primarily offering workshops and consulting services, while also selling vintage and reusable goods at local markets. When COVID hit and markets shut down, she opened an e-commerce website (with zero waste shipping) as another way to reach and assist people interested in zero waste living. However, she realized that the most sustainable thing people can do is use things that are already made and get them as close to home as possible.
“I wanted to be the person who could not only recommend solutions but also provide them locally,” said Andert. “Operating out of a physical location allows me to engage directly and regularly with customers, offer tips and solutions, and give people an opportunity to make sustainable changes in a way that can also spark their own curiosity and creativity.”
Not only is this type of store a first in New Orleans, but zero waste and sustainability are still unfamiliar terms to many residents. Other area eco-orgs have bolstered recent momentum for these movements, but it can be difficult in a city known for disposable to-go cups, plastic Mardi Gras beads and a whole lot of glitter.
“I’ve found that people want sustainable options that still align with our local traditions,” said Andert. “I want to show people how to reduce their waste and carbon footprint, but also how to do it in a way that’s joyful, inspiring and fun.”
Learn more about Andert and her business at www.VintageGreenReview.com.
