LITTLE GREEN DRESS
This Women’s History Month puts a Spotlight on Women-Owned Eco-Friendly Shops in Pittsburgh
By Natalie Bencivenga
MARCH 7, 2024
While I love to celebrate the achievements of women all year long, there’s never a bad time to shine a light on the incredible women who make this city great – and eco-friendly! And did you know that March 12 is Equal Pay Day?
A few statistics according to the AAUW:
- Moms working full-time, year-round are paid 71 cents and all earners (including part-time and seasonal) are paid 63 cents for every dollar paid to dads.
- Black women working full-time, year-round are paid 69 cents and all earners (including part-time and seasonal) are paid 66 cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men.
- Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) women working full-time, year-round are paid 66 cents and all earners (including part-time and seasonal) are paid 60 cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men.
- Native women working full-time, year-round are paid 59 cents and all earners (including part-time and seasonal) are paid 55 cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men.
- Latinas working full-time, year-round are paid 57 cents and all earners (including part-time and seasonal) are paid 52 cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men.
Here are some local shops to consider this spring that support our communities in more ways than one.
Knotzland Bowtie Co.: Founded by Nisha Blackwell in August of 2014, she was a self-taught seamstress that realized the importance of educational opportunities for fellow creatives and sewing enthusiasts. Blackwell prides herself on hiring women in the Pittsburgh region who invests in the people who work so hard to create these one-of-a-kind bow ties and accessories made from textile discards to recreate and reimagine otherwise “unusable” materials into something special and eco-chic.
Kiya Tomlin: This fashion powerhouse creates locally-designed and made casually elegant fashion for women of all phases and stages of life. Tomlin’s clothing is made of a unique, sustainable bamboo-blend that’s softer than cotton, dries quickly and drapes beautifully. Not only that, the natural fabric breathes, so it is comfortable through the seasons. Tomlin’s line proves you don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability.
The Refillery Pgh: Founder Larissa Russo was just getting started when I first met and interviewed her for the Green Voice months back. Now, not only can you visit the flagship store in Squirrel Hill and have all of your domestic staples like dish detergent, shampoo, laundry detergent and more refilled in sustainable, eco-friendly, reusable containers, she’s also taking the dream on the road with a pop-up shop Downtown as well as a Refillery inside the Today’s Market in Oakmont. Talk about leveling up!
Plants for Skin: This refillery focused on all-natural and environmentally sustainable hair, face and body products stands by their message that skincare shouldn't be expensive and toxic. You trust that it is naturally made. Plants for Skin is here to simplify your routine and save you some coins!
love, Pittsburgh: Looking for one-of-a-kind gifts with a Pittsburgh twist? Look no further than this quirky, charming store nestled in Mt. Washington. Committed to sustainable practices as well as stocking local artisanal goods, love, Pittsburgh has expanded into the Strip District as well as Downtown. Born on the fourth of July, 2017, love, Pittsburgh features more than 120 local artists and makers.
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