What is a Sustainable Pittsburgh Shop?
A Sustainable Pittsburgh Shop recognizes small retail businesses that demonstrate a commitment to take economic, environmental, and social actions that benefit the region. These shops earned designation by helping to build vibrant communities and support environmentally responsible practices.
Value to our Region
Small retailers are crucial contributors to the local economy by bringing growth and innovation to the community. Sustainable Pittsburgh believes in the importance of sustainable local businesses that create thriving and vibrant communities.
Value to Participating Shops
Whether your shop is new to sustainability or more advanced in its practices, this program offers tools, resources, and connections to achieve your goals.
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Participation is the Primary Reward
More and more consumers prefer shopping with environmentally and socially-conscious businesses. Earning designation as a Sustainable Pittsburgh Shop gives you access to increased visibility among consumers and elevates your role in strengthening the fabric of your community.
“I had been doing these actions, not knowing they had been making my business more sustainable. I was so excited to learn that! We’re never too old to learn about sustainable business practices. You can teach an old dog new tricks!”
Patty A. Thomas, Pinks Tiny Paws Daycare & Boutique
Our Approach to Recognizing Sustainable Action
Designation levels are based on points achieved relative to the number of actions satisfied. Because no two shops are the same, this designation has been designed to provide a flexible and adaptable approach to sustainability that is achievable for all our region’s small retail or “mom-and-pop” small businesses.
We consider more than 130 different actions that are aimed at bettering our environment, our society, and our region. These include actions based on energy conservation and management, water conservation and management, business operations and practices, occupancy, transportation, waste management, products, services, and purchasing, and innovation.
Support and Follow These Local Shop Leaders
There are over 120 designated small retail businesses in 45+ communities across southwestern Pennsylvania. With shops of all different varieties, you can find anything to suit your interests. Find them in your community using the directory below.
Restaurants
There are over 150 designated Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurants in our region. With restaurants at all price ranges, locations, varieties of cuisine, and all types of dining experiences, you can find many delicious options to suit your tastes. Find them in your community using the directory below.
Workplaces
Our newest program designed for sustainability champions and leaders at Southwestern PA organizations of all sizes, sectors, and levels of experience with sustainability efforts. Congratulations to our first-ever Sustainable Pittsburgh Workplaces: