When Replenish Marketplace [1] opened at 1503 Webster Street in March 2025, co-owner Laria Pippen told the Alameda Post [2] she had visited refill stores around the Bay Area to see how they ran their businesses and get advice. It worked. The community chose the little shop she and husband Stephan Pippen own and operate as the 2026 Alameda Star [3] in both the New Business and Eco-Friendly Business categories.
Alamedans obviously appreciate eco-friendly local businesses, and with Earth Day coming up on April 22, this is the time to show it.
“We here at Replenish Marketplace thought we’d share an idea for a story in the hopes of inspiring Alamedans to spend their hard earned dollars in support of local businesses and climate action,” Stephan Pippen wrote in an email to the Post. He proposed that the Post “help Alamedans shop their way to a greener island by showcasing the growing network of Alameda stores that make low-waste living accessible.”
Pippen’s suggestions started, of course, with a plug for his store, Replenish Marketplace. “As you know, our woman-owned store allows residents to bring their own containers to refill everything from laundry detergent to toothpaste, shampoo to sunscreen, and more,” he wrote. “Our store effectively ends the cycle of single-use plastics and by using our products, customers aren’t using goods with micro-plastics and toxins.”
To that, he added a couple of other retail recommendations. First was The ReCrafting Co [4]., at 2449 Santa Clara Avenue, which Pippen called “a unique resale store dedicated to second-hand sewing and needlework materials, proving that ‘new’ isn’t necessary for high-quality creativity.” He also gave a thumbs up to Mommy’s Trading Post [5], at 1428 Park Street, which offers pre-loved baby gear, children’s clothing and maternity clothes, calling it “a one-stop shop for all that kids and mom need.’”
More local favorites
Another popular stop is Rocket Reuse [6], a family-owned bookstore/vintage shop that is currently in the process of moving to a bigger and brighter location at 1424 Park Street, across the street from its previous spot. This unique shop took second place in three different categories for Alameda Star [7] honors—bookstore, vintage, and men’s clothing.
And just footsteps away is Lauren’s Closet [8], at 1420 Park Street, a longtime favorite consignment store with a wide selection of high quality clothing and accessories for women—including maternity and new moms—and juniors. You’ll also find clothing, toys, and more for children. Lauren’s Closet won 2nd place in the Alameda Stars maternity/kids clothing category.
Thrift stores
Some thrift stores support charity organizations, some don’t. But all of them do provide convenient outlets for purchasing used clothing, which extends the lifespan of garments, helps to reduce textile waste in landfills, and slashes the carbon, water, and chemical footprints associated with producing new clothing. Here are a few to check out in Alameda.
- The Thrifty Kitty [9], 1509 Webster Street, has the cutest shop sign ever. Staffed by community volunteers, this little boutique-style shop has quality clothing, shoes, jewelry, housewares, pet-related items, books, and some collectibles. Best part: All proceeds go to Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter [10] (FAAS) where homeless pets are lovingly cared for while they await adoption.
- Mastick Senior Center Thrift Shop [11], 1155 Santa Clara Avenue. The senior center is on Santa Clara Avenue, as is the entrance to the ample parking lot, but the thrift shop entrance is located around the corner at 1538 St. Charles Street. There’s lots of good stuff, from clothing and housewares to a good selection of jewelry. Hours are limited—Tuesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Goodwill [12], 2319 Lincoln Avenue, is a California Certified Green Business. Their ReCompute program, which teaches employees how to disassemble computers and electronics and refurbish them for sale, helped to divert more than 3 million pounds of electronics from local landfills last year. And here in town, they have a great selection of jeans.
- Savers [13], 931 Marina Village Parkway, has become popular with many local thrifters for its massive inventory of clothing and housewares. It’s not a nonprofit, but there’s a ton of free parking and the prices are reasonable.
- Second Home, 2524 Santa Clara Avenue, is a home furnishings consignment business with lots of good stuff at reasonable prices. It has been under new ownership since late 2025, according to Downtown Alameda [14].
- Salvation Army, 1918 Park Street, is an old-school thrift store with a lot of stuff at a good price and ample parking. As an organization, the Salvation Army has faced allegations of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community [15], but the store remains popular with secondhand shoppers.
Repair, don’t replace
One way to refresh your wardrobe without tossing anything into the landfill is to fix or re-do what you already have. Shorten that dress, fix that zipper, hem those jeans. Don’t know how to do it yourself? Call on some of the talented tailors around town. Here are a few that are recommended by the Zero Waste Alameda [16] program—the first three below were voted at the top of the list in the Alameda Stars contest.
- Arkea Tailor Shop [17], 1604 Webster Street. Won first place in Alameda Stars voting.
- Stitches Alameda [18], 2537 Santa Clara Avenue. Won second place in Alameda Stars voting.
- Golden Needle Tailoring [19], 1903 Encinal Avenue. Won third place in Alameda Stars voting.
- Best Alteration, 1190 Park Street.
- Le’s Tailoring & Cleaning [20], 1707 Webster Street.
This is by no means an exhaustive listing of eco-friendly businesses in Alameda. For more suggestions on choices for a greener island, visit the City’s Zero Waste Alameda [16] webpage.