Central Slope isn't your average run-of-the-mill "green" store; you're not going to find a hippie wearing puka shells hanging around to help you, but you will find owner Michael Keele, and he'd be happy to show you around.
His shop, at 8801 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix, doesn't try to push sustainable living. Instead, Keele says he buys from local artists who are reusing materials, and aims to make an eco-friendly lifestyle practical and affordable.
The store even hosts workshops each month including water harvesting and organic cooking.
"I'm trying to show people that being eco-friendly can be for everybody," says Keele.
Check out what we'd like to take home, what we want, what we don't and why we'd go back after the jump.
What We'd Take Home
1. Reusable Coffee Sleeves- $5
Made out of pretty organic fabric, we're all for these coffee sleeves sprucing up our morning cup of 2. Locally Grown Herbal Tea ($8).
3. Big Eyed Boyz Doll- $9
These dolls, made by Phoenix youth, are everything you hoped from a kid's drawing, in 3D.
4. Recycled Books, Papers and Greeting Cards- $3 to $25
These books are made out of everything from recycled fabric dye boxes to recycled cake boxes.
On Our Wish List
1. Facial Products- $8 to $25
Keele carries two different lines at the store, both locally made.
2. Clutch Purse- $20
These were once bags that held coffee beans, but now they can hold your belongings.
3. Messenger Bag- $35
Same bean-to-bag concept, but this size can hold your laptop.
What We'll Pass On
1. Soy Candles- $10
Impress friends by having a home that smells as pretty as a locally grown rose, but with all the other cool stuff in the store, they're easy to overlook these.
2. Wind chime- $2,000
This pretty awesome wind chime is gigantic and just a little expensive for our taste.
Why We'll Go Back
Keele has an entire interior decorating side to the store where he'll make you a customized headboard with matching pillows all out of organic fabrics. Plus, every Sunday from 8 to 11:30 a.m., Central Slope is host to a local farmer's market. Of course we'll be there to pick up in season goods from local growers.
Central Slope is located at 8801 North Central Ave. and open Monday and Tuesday by appointment only, Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
