Shop Sustainable
Lexington

Reuses cheese boxes for display, storage, and catering.

Why it matters: Sourcing locally helps my business partners and my business.

Sources from local farmers whenever possible, tailoring menus to the growing season — when local supply runs short, sources statewide from small family farms. Cooks and brews with what’s in season (the name means “follow the sun”). Hosts rotating local art, free musician jam sessions, library book club, and “Sharing Sundays” donating that day’s profits to a local nonprofit.

Why it matters: Our brewery is community-focused — giving back through nonprofit grants, supporting local farmers and artisans, and creating a welcoming space where everyone feels at home.

↗ Exploring B-corp status.

A venue for local farmers and producers to sell directly to the public. Refill Rockbridge attends the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays; several producers reuse and recycle containers. Many farmers use organic or sustainable growing practices.

Why it matters: Shopping the Farmers Market directly supports local farmers and sustainable growing practices.

↗ Considering becoming a compost collection site.

Uses multiple local food waste sources for compost. Reuses containers and egg cartons. Has solar panels and drip irrigation. Grows without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or added hormones. Partners with Rockbridge Conservation to collect food waste. At the Lexington Farmers Market every Wednesday.

Sources produce and meats from local and regional farms. Reuses menu paper for scrap, recycles all cardboard, recently switched to a more efficient HVAC system. Uses paper straws and recyclable takeout containers. Partners with community businesses and organizations — including an upcoming fundraiser for Rockbridge Area Conservation — and sells retail items where part of the proceeds benefit a local charity.

Why it matters: Sourcing locally builds stronger communities and reduces the need for long-distance transport, meaning better products with less use of non-renewable energy.

↗ Interested in participating in a composting program.

Sells yarn from local farms and gives local crafters a year-round brick-and-mortar space. Has a free yarn exchange bin at the front door and carries recycled yarn. Donates to local schools and charities, supports nonprofits through charity crafts, and offers scholarships for children’s after-school craft clubs.

Why it matters: A safe space for crafters to connect without a screen between them, with giving back to the community as a core priority.

↗ Looking to reduce plastic in products and packaging and lower overall carbon footprint.

Cocktail syrups, shrubs, granola, gluten-free cake mixes, and coffee are all Virginia-made. Reuses incoming bubble wrap, packing cushions, and paper; boxes are reshipped or recycled. Carries towels made from recycled plastic bottles, Swedish dishcloths, beeswax food wraps, eco-friendly cleaning products, and compost bins.

Why it matters: Anything we can do to help reduce garbage and waste is important to us.

Partners with a nonprofit to recycle used sneakers. Most shoe brands carried are committed to using recycled materials in manufacturing. One apparel brand dedicates part of each product to clean water initiatives.

Why it matters: Lexington and Rockbridge County residents can recycle used sneakers in a way that is far more impactful than Goodwill or the trash.

↗ Continuing to partner with new and existing brands committed to sustainable practices.

Offers as many Virginia-made products as possible in their food category — including jams, jellies, peanuts, and hot sauces.

Why it matters: Sourcing Virginia-made products is central to the store's values and what their customers come looking for.

↗ Looking for more local products to carry.

Sources all items from 300+ consigners, mostly from within the Lexington area. Prefers natural fiber clothing — wool, cotton, and silk. Partners annually with local organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Project Horizon, and Halestone Dance.

Why it matters: Shopping secondhand is the way to go in the future!

Sells locally made products. Uses recycled materials for shipping and reclaimed clay in the final product.

Why it matters: Represents over 150 local artists working in Rockbridge County and several surrounding counties.

↗ Exploring how to offset carbon emissions from shipping.

Museum Store features local Shenandoah Valley farm products (jams, sauces) and locally crafted items including stained glass, jewelry, ornaments, and handmade cards.

↗ Always looking for unique local vendors!

Partners with local artist Joel of Blue Frogs Company to reuse delivery packing materials for his artwork shipments. Provides board game summer camps and regular Dungeons & Dragons and tabletop programming for kids to engage in strategic and imaginative play.

Why it matters: Community is central to their mission — providing events for kids and supporting other local folks is what makes Just Games feel good about what they do.