There are so many great places around town that do this in a variety of ways. I’ve compiled a list of just a few local businesses and what sustainable practices they have in place.
Goodwill Industries
11561 Geist Pavilion Drive, 12727 Parkside Drive, and 7440 Fishers Station Drive
Goodwill is a treasure trove of things waiting for a second life. There are name brand clothes, brand new shoes, toys, housewares, and books… just to start! The Goodwill’s in Fishers are unlike any other locations I’ve been to across the country. The selection is so much nicer and you don’t have to sift through garbage to find something nice. Save some money, support adult education, and save the planet all in one shopping trip.
Simply Chic
7822 E 96th Street
If you are looking for higher-end clothing and accessories, but still want to shop second hand, this is your place. Simply Chic carries designer and higher-end fashion, shoes, jewelry, and more. Shopping here is a great way to keep your style elevated while reducing the demand of new clothing, thus reducing the pollution that comes with clothing manufacturing and transportation.
Pearl Street Pizzeria & Pub
10462 Olio Road
Owner of Pearl Street Pizzeria & Pub Courtney Andrus shared this information with me: “We use biodegradable to-go wares, biodegradable straws made from corn, and we recycle as much as possible. Our bartenders and servers have separate trash receptacles for bottles and cardboard. It has been costly to keep this mission, but we have done so- even during 2020!” An added bonus – my family goes nuts for the cheesy breadsticks. Sustainable and yummy!
IKEA
11400 IKEA Way
You can find sustainably-sourced wood and cotton, LED lighting (which uses 85% less energy), products made recycled and renewable materials, low-flow faucets, and even vegan meats at our local IKEA.
This company is an excellent example of sourcing materials sustainably, providing sustainable solutions for their customers, operating their stores with sustainability in mind, and making products that stand the test of time. To top it all off (literally!) IKEA has nearly 4,000 solar panels on their roof, which generate enough renewable energy to power nearly 200 homes.
Four Day Ray
11671 Lantern Road
Four Day Ray is a gastropub in the heart of downtown Fishers, where you can find sustainable options for both drinking and dining. They offer growlers that you can refill anytime at their bar, eliminating waste from beer cans and bottles. (My husband and I get Tracker Jumper IPA, every time!)
After the brewing process, they donate the spent grains to local Indiana farms for animal feed. When dining in, plastic is eliminated by using stainless steel sauce cups and compostable straws. Even their to-go orders are sent off in compostable packaging.
Fishers Flower Farm
fishersflowerfarm.com
This mother-daughter team offers a more sustainable option for fresh florals. Mackenzie explains, “80% of cut flowers sold in the US are imported from countries with unfair labor practices and unregulated chemicals. We are reducing our community’s carbon footprint by providing locally-grown flowers. We also avoid single-use plastic or styrofoam, which are both very common in the floral industry, and instead use biodegradable materials like Kraft paper and natural twine.”
The Well Coffeehouse
8890 E. 116th Street
If fair trade, sustainably sourced, and unique coffee options is what you’re after… The Well is your place. If a non-profit coffee shop who uses all proceeds to provide clean drinking water for thousands of communities all over the globe is what you’re after… The Well is also your place. Every delicious and creative coffee you order here helps to provide safe water for those who need it most. I’ll take a large Georgia On My Mind, please!
These are just a few examples of the many businesses around Fishers that have taken steps to provide cleaner products to customers, reduce their carbon footprint, or focus on eco-friendly operations. It’s so refreshing to see the shift in mindset, even among businesses, from convenience to environmental consciousness. But the buck doesn’t stop there; it is up to us as consumers to validate their efforts. Remember, we vote with our dollars! So let’s vote for a cleaner tomorrow by supporting these businesses!
If you know of a business in Fishers that has eco-friendly or sustainable practices, please share them with me at instagram.com/talesoftheyales. I am always looking to support companies that value our planet!
Kelly Yale is a long-time resident of Fishers (she’s lived here since she was 12!) who lives on the east side of the city. She loves hiking in parks, cooking and trying new restaurants, visiting the Fishers Farmers’ Market, and spending time with her family. Wife and daughter of small business owners, she’s passionate about local businesses and loves exploring shops around the City. She is vegetarian and tries to avoid plastic and waste as much as possible, along with buying secondhand instead of new. Her favorite thing about Fishers is experiencing all of new things that it has to offer since she was a child, while still being able to reminisce on her childhood memories here. She has a 9 year old daughter and welcomed a baby boy in October. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.