Earth Day: Eco-Friendly Shopping Around Burlingame

Celebrating Earth Day? Look no further than Burlingame's own boutiques and shops for eco-friendly products.

Whether you are looking to make an eco-friendly change or just want an alternative to your go-to products, these Burlingame businesses have you covered.


An incredibly eco-friendly shopping tip: buy vintage or pre-owned. It takes resources, some non-renewable, to create a new product. So, give new life to an "old" product in good-as-new condition instead. Pick of the Litter Thrift Shop carries clothing, household items, furniture, art, jewelry, electronics, books and more. Plus, the proceeds of every sale made by this shop go to benefit the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA.



Another great shop for buying vintage and pre-owned is the Janakos & Co. antique store and warehouse on California Drive. This is a must-visit destination for art collectors, as well. Rather than buying cheap, poorly constructed and often chemically treated furniture, this antiques dealer offers one-of-a-kind home decor. Other great antique shops nearby: and .



Treat yourself to or give the gift of a non-toxic and eco-friendly manicure. Pinkies uses Essie brand nail polish, one that does not contain the toxins DBP, Toluene or Formaldehyde.



For meat lovers, there is a sustainable way to whet your appetite. Medallion Steakhouse, located on Rollins Road, offers an array of hormone-free, free-range meats from local producers. Among them are Marin Sun Farms and Mary's Chicken from Pitman Farms, California.

Other places to shop around town for eco-friendly products:

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn has an on-line Earth Day special: free shipping on organic bedding. Or, save yourself the wait and drop into the location on Burlingame Avenue and pick-up an organic 200-thread count set in vibrant spring-colored patterns.

American Apparel

Also on Burlingame Avenue, American Apparel carries men's and women's casual fashions in organic cotton. Organic cotton is not treated with harmful chemicals like its conventional counterpart. According to the organic trade association, conventional cotton uses 16 percent of the world's insecticides, more than any other single major crop.

Starbucks

Bring a reusable mug into any Starbucks location today and receive a cup of coffee or tea on the house. Reusable mugs reduce paper consumption and, in turn, saves trees. Just think, it takes two to three tons of trees to produce one ton of virgin office printer paper, according to the Sierra Club.