Local Green Shopping Guide
If you’re like me, you like knowing where to get the best deals and even more so, where you can find local and sustainable goods. After being in Greenville for a semester, here is my list of places you should visit and look out for to help you get started.
Bins 4 Wins
Bins 4 Wins sells inventory that for various reasons were rejected by stores like Target and Amazon. This could be anything from overstock items, slightly damaged goods, customer returns and more. This means that you get great deals on things like electronics and home goods, all while giving these items a second chance instead of these items hitting the landfill.
Plant and See Nursery
Whether you like plants or not, I highly recommend visiting this local plant nursery (est. in 1976), that honestly feels like its own botanical garden. It has multiple greenhouses and an outdoor section selling everything from quality soil and fertilizer to sculptures from local artisans. They also have a huge selection of easy to maintain plants like succulents, cacti and snake plants which would be perfect for busy students. As an added bonus, not only do plants add character to your dorm or apartment, but they also help improve indoor air quality! Just don’t forget to water them and provide the right amount of light.
Hope of Glory Ministries
Hope of Glory Ministries is a nonprofit organization that focuses on community outreach and addressing things like food insecurity and unstable households in our community. This store is open to the public and the money raised goes back to helping members of the community. Here is a photo of some of the produce we donated to Hope of Glory Miniseries from our community garden in July!
Leroy James Farmers Market
Farmer Markets are a great way to support our local farmers and artisans. They have everything from farm fresh eggs, baked goods, local grass-fed meats, produce and even local wine! They only open from Thursday to Saturday 8am-1pm so I recommend stocking up for the week. If you happen to miss the market hours, you can also check out the Local Goodness Sections at Food Lion.
Habitat ReStore
Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations. ReStores accept donations and sell a constantly changing inventory of diverse, high-quality merchandise to the public at a fraction of the retail price, while diverting reusable household items and building materials from area landfills. Sales of donated items help Habitat for Humanity partner with local families to build, rehabilitate and repair safe and affordable homes in your community and around the world — a good deal for you, your community and the environment.
Play it Again Sports
Play it Again Sports carries a huge variety of new & used sporting goods for a great price. They have everything from weights, golf clubs, baseball bats and more. They also have a good selection of discs for disc golf, which I’ve learned is a local favorite!
Facebook Groups to join:
I would also recommend these Facebook groups to join! Whether you need to clear away some items or want to get some great deals on things from clothes, furniture, pet supplies and more, these groups are filled with students and locals and are always active.