WNC Gift Guide: Sustainable Gifts with Purpose
- Lindsay Brecheisen
- November 25, 2024
- 11 Minute Read
Welcome to the 2024 handbook of holiday gifts featuring local Western North Carolina businesses! This year, in the wake of Hurricane Helene, we are especially dedicated to supporting both the ongoing relief efforts and the vibrant local brands that define the Western region of our state. This guide offers a thoughtful selection of gifts from local brands and B Corps, all with environmentally and socially conscious missions. Whether these businesses are directly involved in recovery or epitomize the strong spirit of Western North Carolina, you can double your impact this giving season with purchases that will not only please your loved ones but also bolster local efforts to rebuild and thrive, making a positive impact on people, the planet, and our WNC communities.
Gifts From...
WNC B Corp Goods
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since September 2017
French Broad Chocolates, Asheville’s local chocolate tasting room and factory, is a great treat for every season. Owners Dan and Jael Rattigan have embraced the life of chocolate ambassadors, creating positive and delicious environments along the way. As a certified green restaurant, French Broad Chocolates serves up a double portion of sustainability: they sustain the Earth and the sweet tooth on your list’s appetite for treats this holiday season.
- Brevard, NC
- B-Corp Since June 2015
Gaia founds their work on the principle “do no harm to people, plants, or the planet” and is on a mission to spread the equation “Purity + Integrity = Potency.” They assure all of their herbs are as natural and pure as possible, while also committing to creating quality jobs and supporting social and environmental impact work.
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since May 2021
Established 2009, East Fork crafts durable, North Carolina made ceramics with a vision for social & environmental good baked in. From accessibility, to equity, and working toward more sustainable practices, East Fork’s commitment to using business as a force for good is evident at every turn. Recent initiatives include fundraising with justice-minded organizations in Western North Carolina, hosting community events that amplify the voices of POC, especially queer and gender nonconforming POC, and developing an initiative to reinvest their self-imposed carbon tax into land trusts that secure property for Black farmers while funding regenerative implementation on Black-owned farms.
- For Collins, CO & Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since January 2013
Makers of well-known classics, like Fat Tire Amber Ale, Voodoo Ranger IPA, and more, New Belgium has been brewing beer as a Certified B Corp since 2013. At the core of using business as a force for good, New Belgium believes that business is a human endeavor and that those humans should be central to everything they do. By focusing on “Human-Powered Business” New Belgium is committed to supporting healthy profit balanced with prioritized benefits for people and the planet. In doing so, Fat Tire earned the title of the first certified carbon-neutral beer in the U.S, and New Belgium has plans for a fully carbon-neutral beer portfolio by 2030!
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since August 2023
Loom Imports is all about discovering and sharing the beauty of handmade products from hidden corners of the world. Working hand-in-hand with incredible artisans globally, Loom Imports aims to connect these creators to shoppers everywhere. Loom Imports teams up with women’s cooperatives and community groups to create special textiles, home decorations, and accessories that tell a story while providing a living wage. They take pride in knowing each artist personally, ensuring every product comes from a place of deep relationship and respect, while helping to develop economic growth in remote communities.
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since May 2024
Help us support our friends at Sugar Hollow Solar in Asheville, who are diligently working to recover from Hurricane Helene’s impact. You can lend a virtual hand by contributing to their GoFundMe here.
Sugar Hollow is part of Amicus Solar Cooperative, a network we also belong to, dedicated to ethical practices and sustainable solutions in the solar industry. While Amicus connects us nationally, the heart of our shared mission lies in strengthening local communities. If you’re considering solar, make sure to choose a local company and one that aligns with your values.
WNC Local Businesses
Make your purchases count this season. Check out our other fan-favorite goodies from small businesses across Western North Carolina
SowTrue Seed, an employee-owned cooperative, promotes sustainable food production and regenerative agriculture through their high-quality, open-pollinated seeds.
- SowTrue Seed
- Asheville, NC
Check out their Asheville Mix – $2 from each bag goes to Optimist Ventures, helping Asheville entrepreneurs after Hurricane Helene.
- Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn
- Asheville, NC
With LEED Platinum-certified facilities powered by the sun and featuring water-saving and waste-reducing practices, Sierra Nevada makes sustainability as refreshing as their brews.
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co
- Mills River, NC
*A portion of the proceeds will support Beloved Asheville and Asheville Habitat. They have also organized a GoFundMe to support their staff.
- Devil's Foot Beverage Co
- Asheville, NC
By investing more in the farmers who grow their beans, they honor the challenging work that goes into coffee cultivation and set a positive example in the industry for fair compensation.
- Cooperative Coffee Roasters
- Asheville, NC
They’ve launched a “Beer is Stronger Than Water” T-shirt as a symbol of resilience, with all proceeds aiding their flood recovery. Every shirt sold helps Hi-Wire and Asheville grow stronger together.
- Hi-Wire Brewing
- Asheville, NC
ENO specializes in hammocks and outdoor gear, with a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. They also partner with organizations like Trees for the Future to plant trees and offset their environmental impact.
- Eagle's Nest Outfitters (ENO)
- Asheville, NC
With organic, craft-brewed kombucha using sustainable practices and sourcing ingredients from local farms whenever possible, they are committed to environmental stewardship and community wellness.
- Buchi
- Marshall, NC
Wild Petunias is a locally owned gift shop based in Tryon, NC. They offer a range of curated treasures from a wide network of small batch suppliers, local artisans and makers. They also support local charitable organizations, including Tryon Arts and Crafts School, Foothills Humane Society, Steps to Hope, + more!
- Wild Petunias
- Tryon, NC
Timeless pieces that bring elegance to any home. Each glass item is a work of art, made using locally sourced materials.
- Terrane Glass Co.
- Spruce Pine, NC
Plum Print helps you transform your children’s artwork into custom keepsakes, preserving cherished memories. Just send in your artwork and they take care of the rest! They are also selling merchandise with all proceeds benefitting World Central Kitchen, Beloved Asheville, and French Broad River Academy.
- Plum Print
- Asheville, NC
Family-owned in the mountains of Asheville. With baristas trained both in-house and in partnership with the standards of Counter Culture Coffee, they are constantly chasing their mission to serve you delicious coffee with intentional and kind service. They had to close one of their locations permanently after Hurricane Helene.
- High Five Coffee
- Asheville, NC
Established in 1883, Mast General Store has been a staple in WNC since, giving back to their community in three major focus areas—arts, environmental, and human services. $10 from each Mountain Strong t-shirt or hoodie and 50% of sticker sales support local relief efforts.
Supporting small makers primarily from NC. The Squirrel and Nut focuses on products that are good for you, good for the environment, and are produced in a small batch manner. After taking on 7′ of water during the Hurricane, they have temporarily relocated and are working to reestablish their shop. Help them rebuild by purchasing a gift card or with a donation.
- The Squirrel and Nut
- Lansing, NC
Established in early 2021 in Sylva, NC, Snake Song is a floral design and herbal products shop that emphasizes self-care and gratitude. They operate a six-acre micro-farm using no-till, hands-on methods to cultivate a variety of annual and perennial flowers, supporting both their shop and the local mountain community.
- Snake Song
- Sylva, NC
Step into a world where art meets the mystical and natural realms. A sister duo, based in Marshall, NC, Abacus Corvus offers stunning pieces that are perfect for art lovers drawn to nature and the mysterious.
- Abacus Corvus
- Marshall, NC
Based in Asheville, Burial crafts up more than awesome brews! Through their Eternal Evolution Program, they allocate 1% of annual revenue to support equitable resource distribution in 4 key areas: Environmental Stability, Food Stability, Housing Stability, and Mental Health Support.
- Burial
- Asheville, NC
A family-owned business on a mission to preserve the art of making quality, locally-made sneakers using the highest grade of materials possible. Opie faced near total destruction from the hurricane with 6′ flooding filling their manufacturing space. Their operations are on hold as they work to repair and rebuild.
- Opie Way
- Fletcher, NC
But wait... there's more!
There are so many amazing shops, creators, and businesses engrained in the mountains of our beautiful state, we clearly can’t spotlight them all! Did we miss one of your favorite WNC businesses? Let us know! Reach out to shine@southern-energy.com so we can get them in our gift guide. Looking for more businesses to support? Check out these awesome resources:
WNC Service B corps
While we’re in the business of spotlighting western North Carolina businesses, here are other service-oriented B Corps in WNC who would love your support!
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since February 2016
Deltec Homes crafts sustainable, energy-efficient homes that are as kind to the planet as they are to the eye. As a proud B Corp, they’re all about building with a conscience, and using sustainable materials and methods that make a difference.
- Asheville & Raleigh, NC
- B-Corp Since June 2024
Dedicated to advancing sustainable digital marketing strategies that not only elevate local and eco-conscious brands but also contribute to the conservation of our natural resources.
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since April 2024
Their mission is to empower local businesses and individuals by offering expert financial guidance tailored to the unique economic landscape of Western North Carolina.
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since Dec 2021
Bringing decades of experience tackling environmental challenges both locally and globally, Blue Earth is renowned for their innovative solutions in hydrology, flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and green infrastructure.
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since Dec 2007
Helping mission-driven companies and funds to maximize their financial and societal returns. They are dedicated to advancing a more sustainable and inclusive global economy by connecting forward-thinking investors with transformative opportunities
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since July 2022
Combining strategic marketing and public relations to help nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and purpose-driven businesses amplify their impact.
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since June 2013
Specializing in Salesforce solutions, they provide tailored strategies that enhance efficiency, boost engagement, and ultimately drive more meaningful outcomes for the betterment of communities.
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since March 2018
Their approach focuses on creating meaningful online engagement aimed at boosting visibility and impact for their mission-driven clients’ initiatives.
Thank you for exploring our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide! By choosing gifts from these awesome Western North Carolina B Corps and businesses, you’re not just giving thoughtful presents—you’re also supporting recovery efforts and helping our local communities thrive. Together, we can make this season one of impact and resilience. Happy shopping!
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