As a sustainably conscious gal, shopping for almost anything has become a struggle. Whether searching for food, beauty products or even a water bottle, consumers have the burden of sorting dangerous chemicals from the pure groceries of yesterday.

There is hope.

As soon as you stroll into the new Whole Foods Market Philly (2101 Pennslyvania Avenue), there’s a difference. And I’m not just talking about their beautiful, elaborate coffee bar (Pssst. That also serves booze.)

One treat, for example: You’ll find a food court with Wiz Kid, Dizengoff, Cheu Noodle Bar, and Serevino to grab a bite so you don’t shop hungry. (Story. Of. My. Life.)

Whole Foods Market: Food Transparency 

While recently chatting with my Argentinean friend, he explained, “Even if you buy the cheapest cheese in Argentina, you don’t have to worry that it’s bad for you. It’s still food!” Unfortunately, we can’t say the same with the cheapest American food, but Whole Foods Market offers values to consumers to change the status quo.

This new Philly location Whole Foods Market is set up to eliminate any barriers between the customer and the producers of the food.

Modeled after recent movements like Kensington Butchers, they’re getting back to where food comes from. Although vegetarians may cringe, WFM took a risk to put all is on display. You can get up close and personal with how the butcher works so you see exactly how that meat is cut.

Plant-based eaters, REJOICE. Beyond Meat just debuted its revolutionary plant-based patties at Whole Foods Market. Grilled like a standard burger, this patty is so delicious you won’t even realize you skipped the butcher and are lightening your carbon footprint.

For those who crave sustainable seafood, this Whole Foods also is set up without counters between you, the fish and fish mongers. Make sure to ask how to prepare each fish and what to do with them. Also, WFM got this huge Wahoo special for the opening weekend.

The mystery of hot bar prep is gone, too. You can see all the employees, ingredients, and preparation in the open.

The cheese section? Think of your favorite cheese shop, with on-hand Certified Cheese Professionals (AKA a sommelier for cheese – and Whole Foods Market as the most on board nationally). As you browse the cheeses, you’ll notice how it’s designed so you can create the perfect cheese plate simply by moving through the shop.

Whole Body: Why Your Beauty Products Matter

Shopping for foods sans chemicals is where it’s at, right? Not so fast, my friend.

The more we’ve read on chemicals in conventional beauty products from shampoos to sunscreen, the more we’ve realized the importance of what you put on your body. Your body can absorb some of these chemicals too (especially with the name brands..)

This is where Whole Body steps in: Whole Foods Market monitors and rejects products with over 400 ingredients including parabens, polypropylene and polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates. I’ll get back HOURS of my life of reading ingredient lists for shampoos or toothpaste – it’s happened more times than I care to confess.

Simply put, Whole Foods Market makes it easier to shop without worrying about exactly what chemicals are in your food OR what you’re putting on your body. Every product may NOT be perfect for you, but Whole Foods can transform the grocery industry when it proves that this transparency model works for consumers. Other stores will follow suit soon.

Whole Foods market Philly: same standards, New Perks

Aside from getting hours of ingredient-checking from my life back, this Whole Foods is absolutely GORGEOUS. There are so many great products to choose from so you can get everything you need in one trip. Enjoy the wide aisles, new juice bar AND a touch screen in the produce section to order odd items when you need them. Plus, they just started a partnership with Lancaster Farm Fresh to get products from 24 hours, farm-to-store.

Whole Foods Market has been my go-to supermarket for years: for their values, great selections, customer service and friendly employees.

I didn’t think it was possible to fangirl over a grocery store. But Whole Foods Market, you got my heart.

Note: Whole Foods Market was an in-kind sponsor for our inaugural SustainPHL.

array(2) {
  [0]=>
  object(WP_Term)#8357 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(817)
    ["name"]=>
    string(11) "Whole Foods"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(11) "whole-foods"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(821)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(16)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
  [1]=>
  object(WP_Term)#8354 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(3366)
    ["name"]=>
    string(18) "Whole Foods Market"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(18) "whole-foods-market"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(3374)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(1)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
}

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher