LITTLE GREEN DRESS
Supporting the Queer Community Through Our Buying Power
By Natalie Bencivenga
August 9, 2024
When you think of environmental justice…what do you think of first? Perhaps demanding clean air and water or an end to single-use plastics comes to mind. But, have you ever thought of how the climate crisis impacts different communities in different ways? And how our buying power can support marginalized spaces working towards intersectional justice? Black and brown communities, LGBTQ+ communities, and low-income communities will and are being hit harder by the climate crisis.
In order to work towards climate solutions, our work must address issues surrounding racism, classism, xenophobia, transphobia, and all the “-isms” that aim to separate us from one another. One of the best ways to show solidarity is through collective buying power.
By buying local, handmade and eco-friendly goods that support marginalized communities, we can uplift those most impacted while sending a signal that we won’t stand for single-use plastic products, fast fashion and the environmental and labor violations that come along with it.
I’ve done a few lists sharing black and brown-owned eco-friendly shops, and I encourage you to check those articles out! In this edition, I’m focusing on some Pittsburgh-based eco-friendly shops that are queer-owned and operated so that we all have the opportunity to not just survive – but thrive.
Sleepy Hollow Handmade: Sleepy Hollow Handmade is a husband-owned business specializing in handcrafted, vegan soaps and body care based in Pittsburgh, Pa. We love using fun, vibrant colors, funky designs, and fragrances that are anything but sleepy.
The Bearded Iris: Pittsburgh-based floral design studio specializing in special occasions, small weddings, dried floral decor, workshops, and more. We are inspired by the beauty of the natural world, and use local flowers when in season. Eco-friendly practices are employed as much as possible to ensure minimal impact on the environment. The Bearded Iris is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ Community
Eons Fashion Antique: Iconic Pittsburgh vintage store that buys and sells vintage clothing and accessories for people of all genders from the 1880s through the 1980s. And fun fact: The owner, Richard Parsakian, was this year’s Pittsburgh PRIDE March Grand Marshal and also was the Ecolution 2024 Model Citizen Recipient.
Gaiascape: Gaiascape is an ecological gardening and biocentric landscape design based in the city of Pittsburgh focusing on native and edible landscapes. No space is too small to have an impact, and they use sustainable, low disturbance methods to allow outdoor spaces to heal.
The Fairy House: Owner of The Fairy House, Paige (they/them), recently moved into the Sola Salons in the North Hill’s Ross Park Mall. This eco-friendly salon recycles up to 95 percent of their salon waste, while utilizing sustainably sourced and cruelty-free products. It’s also accessible on the bus lines.
Leave A Comment