These Black-owned businesses help you shop locally & sustainably  

DYK that supporting black-owned businesses helps close the racial wealth gap, strengthens local economies and helps job creation? 

Here are nine Black-owned, Philly-grown sustainable businesses you’ll love.  

Up your fashion game

Grant BLVD 

If you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe with ethically sourced clothing and support incarcerated people, Grant BLVD is the place for you. Owner Kimberly McGlonn opened her West Philly storefront amidst the pandemic in summer 2020. Grant BLVD uses thrifted clothes, as well as sustainable fabrics like cotton twill and tencel, to manufacture their wares within Philly city limits.  

The company also partners with Philly-based organization Books through Bars, donating a book to incarcerated people with each clothing purchase. In addition to the original handmade clothes, Grant BLVD also offers a line of reclaimed screen-printed clothing with statements such as “end mass incarceration” and “mad sustainable”. 

Curve Conscious 

Thrift shopping for plus size clothing can be a challenge, but Curve Conscious has you covered. This Brewerytown boutique offers fashion-forward clothes, size 12-18, at affordable prices. Owner Adrienne Ray opened her shop after struggling to find clothes she liked at her local consignment stores.  

Thrifting is a great way to prevent excess textile waste, so check out Curve Conscious for their selection of trendy and classic pieces. And if you’re looking to get rid of old plus-size clothing without contributing to the waste stream, Curve Conscious will buy them for cash or store credit.  

Fill Up On Vegan and Fair-Trade Fare 

Veganish 

It’s in the name: Veganish offers a selection of vegan and pescatarian sandwiches and fast-food inspired menu items. Owner Lamarr Ingram opened the West Philly shop to serve up healthier and more eco-friendly food options so vegan and pescatarian locals could indulge in their favorite comfort foods without consuming meat and dairy products.  

Head in or order online to try their vegan Chick’n Cheesesteak, dairy free Cheezy Fries, and more. 

Good Karma Cafe

Can’t go without your coffee? Good Karma Cafe offers a selection of fair-trade, ethically sourced organic coffees and delicious food, including vegan options. Owner Shawn Nesbit opened his first cafe in 2007 with a vision of sustainability in mind.  

Today, Good Karma Cafe has four locations across the city. Stop by to try their tasty coffee and menu items, as well as seasonal drink options. 

Franny Lou’s Porch 

Franny Lou’s Porch isn’t just a cafe — it’s a space for local activism and community-building. Named for civil rights activists Frances E.W. Harper and Fannie Lou Hammer, the cafe hosts workshops, fundraisers, and local vendors while serving up tasty organic, local, conflict-free food and drink.  

Owner Blew Kind uses composting and other waste-reducing practices to create a more sustainable space. If you eat at Franny Lou’s, you’re not just supporting a local Black-owned business — you’re also supporting sustainability and community organizing. 

See your home cleaner than ever… 

Happy Happy Cleaning 

Gary Downing opened his Bala Cynwyd-based cleaning business to encourage others to use homemade, natural cleaning products to stay healthy and green.  

Not only will he clean your home, he will show you how to create your own products and clean hard-to-reach areas through social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook.  

Good Vibes Clean 

While this company is online only, all their products are produced and bottled (in recycled packaging!) right here in Philadelphia. Owner Ymani Efunyale was inspired to start making her plant-based cleaners after her son became sick from accidentally ingesting store-bought cleaner.  

In contrast, her cleaning products are gentler and safe for the environment — and with scents like frankincense and myrrh, sandalwood, and nag champa, you won’t want to miss out.  

…and greener than ever! 

Torpedopot 

Ever wished your planter could water your plants for you? Torpedopot does exactly that — and it’ll water your plants more efficiently than you ever have. Just put in some seeds and soil, turn on the pot, and walk away! Owner Darral Addison likens his product to a hotel for plants — the pots do all the work, and you and your plants are free to relax. 

The best part is: Torpedopots are great for the environment and your health. Not only do they save water, but they allow you to grow nutritious food easily in your backyard or inside your home.  

Farmer Jawn + Viva Leaf Tea 

Christa Barfield started this community-supported agriculture business as a way to provide fresh food to the people of Philly. You can volunteer to help tend the farm and sign up to receive weekly quantities of fresh, tasty, local produce.  

Farmer Jawn takes food waste and soil health seriously, and they work hard to provide options to low-income families living in food deserts. Barfield also sells a line of teas and houseplants, grown fresh at her farm, through her company Viva Leaf Tea. You can order online or pick up at their Germantown storefront.  

Cover image courtesy of Franny Lou’s Porch (facebook).

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Sophie Brous is an editorial intern at Green Philly. Born and raised in NYC, she now attends Haverford College, where she majors in linguistics. When she's not writing, she can be found exploring cities, making arts and crafts, and finding ways to live a greener lifestyle. View all posts by Sophie Brous