I’ve lived in Chicago for most of my life, and I’ll be honest — I’m not always excited about the towering department stores on Michigan Avenue or the newest cocktail bar. But after a stint living in Southern California, where I studied environmental science and learned more about being a conscious consumer, I moved back with renewed motivation to find the side of Chicago that resonated with me. I quickly discovered some incredible makers, chefs, and entrepreneurs building rad businesses ethically and sustainably. If you ever find yourself in the Windy City and, like me, you are interested in businesses that support social and environmental good, I encourage you to give these a visit. 

Coffee: Oromo Cafe
Non-dairy milk options are pretty standard across coffee shops in Chicago these days, but Oromo Cafe takes it a step further — blending almond, pecan, pistachio, and hazelnut in house every day. The drink menu is full of superfood elixirs and organic coffees, with a focus on sustainably sourced ingredients. I personally never pass up the “golden mylk latte,” which boasts turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and ashwagandha. You’ll also find a myriad of house-made snacks and sweets on the counter, from raw date and nut bars to decadent vegan brownies. 

Baked Goods: Hewn
Ellen King, the baker behind Hewn Bread, wants to change the way we think about grains. All of the flour used in Hewn’s naturally fermented sourdough breads is grown and stone milled in the midwest by farmers committed to sustainable cultivation. And the care that goes into crafting each tangy, crusty loaf is apparent in every bite. 

Dining: Lula Cafe
Lula Cafe has been a fixture in Chicago since 1999, but its farm-to-table menu is as fresh and unexpected as ever in 2019. Go for brunch on Sunday and peruse the Logan Square Farmers Market across the street while you wait for a coveted table. Or go for dinner and order the six course vegetarian tasting menu. Each dish is sophisticated but cozy, from an indonesian spiced peanut butter sandwich to smoked eggplant with gooseberries. 

Dessert: Sacred Serve
While technically not a place you can visit, Sacred Serve is a line of plant-based gelatos you won’t find anywhere other than Chicago (though nationwide shipping will be launching soon). This gelato contains only certified organic, non-GMO, and fair trade ingredients, including coconut meat, adaptogenic herbs, and coconut sugar, and is packaged to minimize material waste. It’s made at a meatpacking facility turned sustainable business complex called The Plant, which is also home to a microgreen farm and a kombucha brewery. You can find Sacred Serve at grocery and health food stores all over the city including Whole Foods. 

Beauty: Lena Rose
As a conscious consumer, it can be hard to find beauty products and services that check all the boxes. Lena Rose has you covered. Stop in and peruse their selection of eco-friendly skincare products, try a “farm to table facial,” or get a non-toxic manicure and aromatherapy massage. 

Shopping: The Shudio 
This dreamy space houses an artist studio and retail shop stocked with eco-conscious clothing, jewelry, home goods, and paper products. The Shudio supports Chicago-based artists and female entrepreneurs, all committed to planet-friendly production. Whether you’re looking for a funky vintage jacket or a chic ceramic dinner set, you’re sure to walk away with something special.

Bonus: Bide + Upbeet + Rooted
Both of these brand new pop-up markets are held at different locations seasonally, and are centered on ethical, sustainable shopping. 

Bide Market features plastic-free, vegan, and cruelty-free makers, for a luxury shopping experience that you can feel good about. You’ll also hear from experts on sustainability giving talks and panels throughout the day. 

Upbeet + Rooted is a 100% vegan food and drink pop-up with vendors like Masa Madre selling Mexican-Jewish pastries and Lil Bucks, a sprouted buckwheat super snack. Furry friends are encouraged, and they’ll even get vegan treats of their own. 

Maia Welbel is a writer, yoga teacher, and sustainable food activist living in Chicago. Find her at maiawelbel.com and on Instagram @mwelbel.