Recently it has been noted that shoppers are more attracted to businesses that outwardly value social and environmental responsibility, acting in the best interests of society in a way that disregards profit margins. What’s better than supporting a business’ bottom-line by spending your money and not feeling guilty about it because you’re also supporting your community? Here are some of our favorite businesses and organizations in Columbus that root social consciousness into their core:

1. Global Gifts – Global Gifts is a locally owned nonprofit organization with four locations in central Indiana and Ohio. They have an assortment of unique, handmade products including jewelry, scarves, home décor, toys, games, musical instruments, coffee, tea and chocolate from artisans all over the world. Each product is fair trade, meaning every purchase at Global Gifts supports fair wages, gender equity, safe working conditions and the production of ethical and sustainable goods in over 40 countries.
2. Glean – Glean is a one-of-a-kind shop in the Short North that holds the mantra “one person’s trash is another’s treasure” to heart. Glean celebrates creative artisans, around 59 out of 62 of them being local, that creatively repurpose materials and handcraft goods with sustainability in mind. Featured products include reinvented jewelry, clothing, art, candles, soap, and more.
3. Lucky’s Market – Lucky’s Market is a Boulder-based grocery store chain that features affordable, natural and organic foods of all types. There is one located in Clintonville, with many other locations around the nation.  Lucky’s has a number of programs that support environmental and social issues. For example, the Bags of Change program encourages the use of reusable grocery bags. Each time you bring your own bag you are rewarded with a wooden dime that goes to a local nonprofit of your choice. At the end of each quarter, Lucky’s doubles the amount that is raised.

Renergy commends consumers and businesses that value social responsibility in Columbus. We believe it is important to look past the bottom-line and understand the powerful role all of us (the buyers and the sellers) play in broader social issues. Renergy strives to maintain an active and long-term position rooting for social responsibility in this city, the region and our nation.