Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011

The Ethics of shopping green

Lindsay Milbourne

 

Vona Broughton shares her green interests with shoppers at Ethics General Store at The Market Common.

"It's kind of my lifestyle as well," said Broughton, owner of Ethics in Myrtle Beach. "It's different than what you're going to find in one of the chain stores."

Everything at the store is either organic or all natural. The store also features products made along the Grand Stand and in the Pee Dee.

From hand-made jewelry fashioned from old buttons to vegan mineral makeup, Ethics has it.

"We sell paper made out of bananas instead of trees," said Broughton.

The products have resonated with eco-friendly consumers.

"I think this store is going to be hopefully central to a growing community," said Cindy Powell, an Ethics shopper and a holistic health coach.

"I get the chance to tell customers who don't know what it means to be green little tidbits that they can do," said Broughton.

Ethics also has outreach programs about green concepts, and teaches healthy and all-natural eating habits.

"The main thing is to look for products that don't have a lot of ingredients," Powell said.

One of the more popular items are vegan brownies. They're made from all natural ingredients with no animal products and are a little better for you than normal brownies packed with sugar.

Also, don't expect to get a paper receipt when you're checking out. Customers sign a tablet with their finger.

"And then get their receipt through e-mail or text message," said Broughton.

Broughton said Ethics is more than just a store.

"People can feel like they can stay for a while. Have a snack, talk, and ask questions," Broughton said.

A Web site (www.gotethics.com) is also under construction, so folks from all around the area can get green products without a drive to the beach.

You can also find Ethics General Store on Facebook.

Ethics General Store is at 2954-B Howard Avenue, Myrtle Beach at The Market Common on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Call 839-1583.

Lindsay Milbourne, weekend meteorologist/Living Green reporter for WBTW, is passionate about all things green, from eco-chic clothing to organic vegetables, ecotourism and sustainability. Contact her at lmilbourne@wbtw.com.