A General store for all things Earth and People Friendly, Eco Carmel introduces Bulk section for Body products and Household cleansers to avoid Single-use Plastics

Shockingly, Americans buy 1 million plastic bottles every minute, with 17 million barrels of oil used each year on plastic production.

Carmel, CA, February 14, 2020 - Shockingly, Americans buy 1 million plastic bottles every minute, with 17 million barrels of oil used each year on plastic production.

Knowing that single-use plastics represent the biggest threat to the health of the planet and its inhabitants, Kristi Reimers of Eco Carmel has installed a bulk section for body products and household cleansers.

Customers at Eco Carmel bring their own reusable containers for everyday products often purchased elsewhere in plastic packaging, or they can purchase glass or aluminum containers at the store.

“For me, what makes what we do different is that we’re not doing bulk for bulk’s sake,” Reimers said. “There are a lot of classic bulk products that I would never put on my skin.”

What makes Eco Carmel unique is that Reimers orders product samples, and the staff tests them for up to six months. “We vet all our products,” she said. “There is so much research needed, because there is little to no regulation. So we ask: ‘Is this truly green and healthy or just a green-washed product?’ ”

Known as a general store selling a multitude of Earth- and people-friendly items (from mattresses to loungewear to everyday reusable items), Eco Carmel opened in 2010. This summer Reimers will celebrate her 10th anniversary at 7th Avenue and San Carlos in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

“I opened the store with many sections, but the beauty of owning your own business is being able to change and adapt to what the customers need,” Reimers said. “My baby section started with one table. It’s been received so well because there’s no other place on the Monterey Peninsula with such a wide selections of organic, fair-trade products, like natural rubber toys, healthy baby body care and organic clothing that is safe for babies.”

Eco Carmel does not sell many food products, electing instead to support Carmel’s Cornucopia Community Market and send customers there.

“I don’t want to compete with other businesses. I like to work symbiotically with other like-minded businesses.” Reimers said. “I just want customers to have access to the best products.”

That integrity shows in how much research Reimers and her “right-hand woman” Megan Root put into all products sold at Eco Carmel.

“Our customers often say they appreciate how much they learn. They tell me: ‘I don’t have time to do research, I’m busy, and there is so much misinformation out there. I appreciate you taking the time to do all that for us.’ ”

For more information, visit www.ecocarmel.com or call (831) 624-1222.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.ecocarmel.com

Eco Carmel, Monterey County’s First Entirely Eco-Friendly Green Store, Celebrates its Sixth Anniversary, Expansion of its upstairs Showroom

Eco Carmel, Monterey County’s first entirely eco-friendly general merchandise store, celebrates its sixth year in business this month, featuring an expansion of its upstairs showroom and a 20%-off sale of organic mattresses.

Carmel, CA, August 23, 2016 — Eco Carmel, Monterey County’s first entirely eco-friendly general merchandise store, celebrates its sixth year in business this month, featuring an expansion of its upstairs showroom and a 20%-off sale of organic mattresses.

“We have expanded upstairs with additional 600 square feet to better showcase and expand our mattresses, bedframes, furniture and home design products,” said owner Kristi Reimers. “This will also be a great space to hold small classes where people can learn about how to make their lifestyle more healthy and planet friendly.”

As part of the sixth anniversary celebration, Eco Carmel is having a 20%-off sale of its organic mattresses, which will continue through the month of August.

Located in the Stonehouse Terrace on San Carlos between 7th and 8th streets in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Reimers opened Eco Carmel in August 2010.

The first of its kind in Monterey County, Eco Carmel offers sustainable, environmentally friendly products, including paint, stains and finishes, hardware items and fixtures, as well as items for home, baby, pet and garden.

While retaining its mission of offering eco-friendly products, Eco Carmel’s main focus is on offering healthier products for people and alternatives to toxic products that are in everyone's homes and offices.

“Today, we are inundated with toxic chemicals, through our food, furniture, wall finishes, body products, and clothing, not to mention the home and office products and gadgets we own,” said Reimers. “Our bodies are overloaded with chemicals that cause illnesses ranging from tiredness to cancer. Eco Carmel is dedicated to offering products that are the safe alternatives to these toxic products. We will also be adding detoxification products to assist the body in purging what it inevitably takes in every day.”

Reimers said Eco Carmel takes pride in being a resource for the community. If the store doesn't have something that someone needs or wants, they can research it and even add it to the store's offerings.

“In the end, a lovely side effect in carrying healthy alternatives is that these products are better for the earth,” she said.

The idea for Eco Carmel grew out of Reimers' desire to make a change in the world.

“Eco Carmel is an idea that has sprung out of my dream of making a difference in the world, of applying my passion and knowledge for natural health and well-being of the body, as well as the planet, in an inspirational and educational setting,” said Reimers. “Inspiration can lead to making conscious choices that will facilitate sales of products that will aid a person into becoming more “eco” friendly for themselves and to the planet.”

Reimers sees Eco Carmel as an interactive and educational experience for discerning, environmentally and health-conscious consumers.

“At Eco Carmel we are not salespeople working in a store selling items to a consumer” said Reimers. “We are educators in an interactive and experiential eco center assisting the public in making the most economic, environmentally beneficial and healthy choices for themselves, their families and their home.”

Reimers chose to open Eco Carmel within the historic Stonehouse Terrace, a courtyard shopping and office area, because she had a special connection to the property. The property has been owned by her family since the early 1930s and was originally her grandparents’ home.

Eco Carmel is located at San Carlos between 7th and 8th in the courtyard of the Stonehouse Terrace in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The store is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, call (831) 277-0173, visit www.ecocarmel.com or email store@ecocarmel.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.ecocarmel.com