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Cleaning/Home Goods  |  Clothing/Accessories   |  Cosmetics/Skin Care  |  Groceries  |  Personal Care  |  Services

CLEANING PRODUCTS/HOME GOODS

 

Target                       

Multiple Locations

Website: www.target.com

My Rating: ***1/2

Review: Target’s Method line of cleaning products is cruelty-free and vegan, although they don’t advertise it as such.  Target is also a great place to find cheap, fashionable, fake leather shoes.         

 


CLOTHING/ACCESSORIES

 

American Apparel              

138 Newbury Street                            47 Brattle Street         

Boston, MA 02116            and Cambridge, MA 02138

Tel: 617-536-4768                              Tel: 617-661-2770

Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm,                Hours: Mon-Wed 10am-9pm, Thurs-Sat 10am-10pm,

            Sun 11am-6pm                                    Sun 12pm-7pm

Website: www.americanapparel.net

My Rating: *****

Review: American Apparel manufactures stylish but basic clothing that is organic and sweatshop-fee.  Their all-cotton clothing is comfortable, but tends to shrink (and it runs small to begin with).  A little pricy, but I guess they have to pay for all of those sexy ads somehow.

You can shop online, or visit their retail location in Boston’s Back Bay. (07/28/07)

 

Cambridge Naturals                       

Porter Square Shopping Center

23 White Street

Cambridge, MA 02140

Tel: 617-492-4452

Website: www.cambridgenaturals.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm

My Rating: ****

Review: The independently owned Cambridge Naturals, located in Cambridge’s Porter Square sells “the best choices in vitamins, herbs, body care, books, and yoga supplies for healthy living”.  Here, you’ll find an unparalleled selection of supplements and herbs, as well as a decent body care and cosmetics selection.  Cambridge Naturals is also one of the few places in Boston to carry the vegan styles from Earth Footwear, and the vegan Chuck Taylor look-alikes from No Sweat Apparel.  Visit their website for coupons and info and store specials.  (10/04/06)

 

Envi         

164 Newbury Street

Boston, MA

Tel: 617-267-ENVI

Website: www.shopenvi.com

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 12pm-6pm

My Rating: *****

Review:  This swank Newbury Street boutique sells “fashion conscious clothing for an eco-conscious lifestyle”.   Bamboo and soy fiber sweaters, organic cotton t-shirt and jeans, and recycled jewelry make this store a vegan haven.  Envi proves that eco-conscious clothing doesn’t have to resemble a burlap sack! (8/30/07)

 

The Garment District                     

200 Broadway

Cambridge, MA 02139

Tel: 617-876-5230

Website: www.garment-district.com

Hours: Sun, Mon, Tues 11am-7pm, Wed, Thurs, Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 9am-7pm

My Rating: ****

Review: This place is your source for vintage and thrift-store clothing, music, and other cool stuff.  Go crazy stuffing your bag with cheap finds in the dollar-a-pound pile, or head upstairs to find a classy 1950’s cocktail dress.  You can find new stuff here too, including clothing and shoes from No Sweat Apparel.

 

Journey’s     

Multiple locations

Website: www.journeys.com

My Rating: ***1/2

Review:  Okay, don’t laugh.  Or sneer.  While I know all you hippies out there will turn up your nose at the idea of shopping at this chain shoe store found exclusively in malls, Journey’s is sometimes the easiest place to find vegan shoes.  For instance, they carry a good selection of Vans slip-ons, MacBeth shoes, and the vegan line of Asics.  So get over yourself, and do something nice for your feet.

 

Luna Boston                         

286 Newbury Street

Boston, MA 02115

Tel: 1-866-910-3900

Website: www.lunaboston.com

Hours: 11am-7pm, 7 days

My Rating: ****

Review: This swank Newbury Street shop sells unique handbags and jewelry made by hard to find or emerging designers.  Vegans will be interested in this shop because they carry handbags and wallets made by the stylish vegan company, Matt & Nat.  Shop at their Newbury Street store, on via their website.

 

Magpie                      

378A Highland Avenue

Somerville, MA 02144

Tel: 617-623-3330

Website: www.magpie-store.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 1pm-7pm, Sat 12pm-7pm, Sun 12pm-6pm

My Rating: *****

Review: Located in Davis Square, Magpie sells “shiny thing for your nest”.  Those “shiny things” include funky DIY craft projects, recycled jewelry, handmade stationary, vintage collectibles, local art, clothing, and more.  They stock bags and wallets from Queen Bee Creations, accessories from BoyGirlParty, and iPod cozies from Meomi.  This place is without a doubt, my new favorite place to shop.

 

Mint Julep     

1302 Beacon Street                             6 Church Street

Brookline, MA 02446        and  Cambridge, MA 02138

Tel: 617-232-3600                              Tel: 617-576-6468

Website: www.shopmintjulep.com

My Rating: *****

Review:  A hip, upscale boutique that sells super cute clothing and accessories, including handbags from vegan designer, Crystalyn Kae.  I could spend hours drooling over the contents of this store. (07/28/07) 

 

Oak Boston    *New Listing*    *Online Shopping!*

31 Gloucester Street

Boston, MA 02115

Tel: 857-362-7311

Website: www.oakboston.com

My Rating: *****

Review: Located at the corner of Newbury and Gloucester streets, this boutique sells a fantastic selection of handmade items, including clothing, bath and body products, cards, jewelry, home goods, and paper products.  If you’re looking for something fun and original, this is the place to go!  To top it off, they carry several vegan items including soap, lip balm, ipod cases, and books from BooksByBexx.  Can’t make it into town?  Check out their online store.  (6/6/08)

 

Target           

Multiple Locations

Website: www.target.com

My Rating: ***1/2

Review: Target’s Method line of cleaning products is cruelty-free and vegan, although they don’t advertise it as such.  Target is also a great place to find cheap, fashionable, fake leather shoes.         

 

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COSMETICS/SKIN CARE

 

Whole Foods carries a small selection of cruelty-free cosmetics (many of which vegan), including brands like Eco Bella, Gabriel, and ZuZu Luxe.  Good Health in Quincy and Hanover has a great selection of skin care items from companies such as Dr. Hauschka and Rachel Perry.

 

Aveda            

Multiple Locations

Website: www.aveda.com

My Rating: *****

Review: Aveda believes in “connecting beauty, environment, and well-being”.  They manufacture natural/organic hair care, skin care, makeup, men’s, and aromatherapy products which are all cruelty-free (and many of them are vegan).

Click here to find an Aveda Concept Salon, Spa, or Experience Center in the Boston area.

 

The Body Shop

Multiple Locations

Website: www.the-body-shop.com

My Rating: ****

Review: All of The Body Shop’s products are cruelty-free, and many of them are vegan.  The offer a variety of cosmetics, fragrances, hair care, skin care, bath, and body products.  Because it’s a national chain, their products are easy to find almost anywhere.  Items can also be purchased through their online store.

Click here to see The Body Shop’s Boston area locations.

 

Cambridge Naturals                       

Porter Square Shopping Center

23 White Street

Cambridge, MA 02140

Tel: 617-492-4452

Website: www.cambridgenaturals.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm

My Rating: ****

Review: The independently owned Cambridge Naturals, located in Cambridge’s Porter Square sells “the best choices in vitamins, herbs, body care, books, and yoga supplies for healthy living”.  Here, you’ll find an unparalleled selection of supplements and herbs, as well as a decent body care and cosmetics selection.  Cambridge Naturals is also one of the few places in Boston to carry the vegan styles from Earth Footwear, and the vegan Chuck Taylor look-alikes from No Sweat Apparel.  Visit their website for coupons and info and store specials.  (10/04/06)

 

Sephora

Multiple Locations

Website: www.sephora.com

My Rating: *****

Review: Sephora carries an array of cruelty-free brands from several cosmetic, fragrance, and skin care companies.  Skin care companies include Boscia (all vegan!), DDF, and Peter Thomas Roth. Cosmetic companies include Stila, Hard Candy, and Fresh.  There are many, many more cruelty-free brands at Sephora (I can’t list them all!).  Many of these products would otherwise be hard to find, but Sephora has numerous locations throughout the country, as well as an online store.

Click here for the Sephora store locator.

 

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GROCERIES

 

Boston Organics     

Tel: 617-242-1700

Website: www.bostonorganics.com

My Rating: *****

Review: By signing up for their service, customers receive weekly or bi-weekly home deliveries of organic produce.  When possible, produce is locally grown, although much of it comes from other locales.  The quality and quantity of fruits and vegetables offered by Boston Organics, as well as the convenience of home delivery make their service worth the $$.  Each delivery is accompanied by recipes utilizing the items in your delivery, which is helpful when figuring out what to do with a seemingly random box of produce.  All of the recipes are vegan or vegan friendly.  Fair trade coffee and teas, as well as other items can also be added to your order.

 

The Butcherie                      

428 Harvard Street

Brookline, MA 02446

Tel: 617-731-9888

Website: www.butcherie.com

Hours: Mon & Tues 7am-6pm, Wed & Thurs 7am-8pm, Fri 7am-2pm, Sun 7am-4pm

My Rating: ***1/2

Review: With a name like The Butcherie, this kosher supermarket seems like an unlikely place to find vegan food.  However, since Kosher law prohibits mixing meat and dairy products, there are plenty of dairy substitutes and dairy-free products to be found in this place (although parve (dairy-free) products may still contain eggs).  Here you’ll find Tofutti ice cream, non-dairy whipped cream, and other goodies, as well as the largest selection of Kosher food in New England.

 

Good Health Natural Food Store             

1627 Hancock Street                           219 Columbia Road

Quincy, MA 02169              and                        Hanover, MA 02339

Tel: 617-773-4925                              Tel: 781-826-0808

Website: www.goodhealthnaturalfood.com

Hours: Quincy: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm  Hanover: Mon-Fri 8:30am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm

My Rating: *****

Review: Established in 1978, Good Health has grown from a tiny natural health food store into one of the best independent health stores I’ve ever visited.  They have an incredible selection of organic produce, wheat/gluten-free foods, vegan cheese alternatives, sugar substitutes, and frozen foods.  They carry virtually every flavor of Silk soymilk, and the hard-to-find Tofutti Pizza.  Their vitamin and health & beauty selections are unparalleled.  They’re the only place in the area (that I’ve found) to carry Beauty Without Cruelty cosmetics (not just the skin care stuff), and tons of skin care items.   

 

Green Street Natural Food            *Exclusively Vegetarian*    

164 Green Street

Melrose, MA 02176

Tel: 781-662-7741

Website: www.greenstreetnaturalfood.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Closed Sunday

My Rating: ****

Review:  This small family owned natural foods store is 100% vegetarian!  Despite their small size, they offer a great selection of bulk dry goods, organic produce, frozen foods, personal care items, and supplements.  They are knowledge about their stock, extremely helpful, and are willing to special order certain items.  Street parking is available, and FREE home delivery is available in select areas.  This locally owned, totally vegetarian store is a gem. (9/01/07)

 

Harvest Co-op Markets

581 Massachusetts Avenue                 57 South Street

Cambridge, MA 02139           and         Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Tel: 617-661-1580                              Tel: 617-524-1667

Website: www.harvestcoop.com

My Rating: ****

Review:  Harvest is a non-profit, community owned cooperative that sells natural and organic foods.  Membership in the co-op is not mandatory for shoppers, however members receive a discount.  They have a good selection, but I rarely shop here since I’m not a member and thus the prices are a little steep.   Miguel from Cambridge, MA tipped me off that the Harvest in Cambridge is now carrying Follow Your Heart Cheese and Nutrilicious donut holes, as well as the Strawberry Ricemellow Cream from Suzanne’s Specialties. Yay! 

 

Market Basket

Multiple Locations

Website: www.freewebs.com/marketbasket/index.htm (unofficial)

My Rating: ***1/2

Review: Market Basket is a mom and pop chains store with 59 locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  While this super-cheap supermarket might seem like an unlikely place to find good vegan food, they carry a pretty decent selection of natural foods which is scattered among their normal selection.  I love Market Basket because it’s cheap, and because they carry my hard-to-find favorite, Tofutti Pizza.  Sadly, there are no Market Basket stores in Bostonthe closest one is in Somerville, with other nearby locations mostly on the North Shore. 

Click here to find a Market Basket in your area.

 

Shaws

Multiple Locations

Website: www.shaws.com

My Rating: ***1/2

Review: Shaw’s doesn’t just have a natural foods aisle, it has a whole section which it calls “Wild Harvest” (which also happens to be the name of their own organic brand).  While compared to somewhere like Whole Foods, the selection here is pretty limited, it blows every other regular supermarket out of the water.  It’s convenient because it’s part of the regular Shaw’s so you can do all of your grocery shopping in one place.  In general, I think that Shaw’s is more expensive than most other supermarkets, but the convenience is sometimes worth it.  The Allston location has a free parking lot and garage, and they’ll load your groceries into your car for you.  Shaw’s also owns Star Market (which has a terrible natural foods selection). 

Click here to find the Shaw’s closest to you.

 

Stop & Shop

Multiple Locations

Website: www.stopandshop.com

My Rating: ***1/2

Review: Most Stop & Shop stores have a natural foods aisle, and carry tofu, soymilk, meat analogs, organic produce, etc.  I find that I can buy most of those same products elsewhere for less money, but when convenience is a factor, Stop & Shop is always there and it’s open late (the South Bay Location is open 24 hours).  The selection varies widely by store.  Good to know: Stop & Shop brand Fudge Stripe, Peanut Butter Fudge, and Fudge Mint cookies are all vegan - and only $99!  Stop & Shop also offers home delivery through Peapod.

Click here to find the Stop & Shop nearest you.

 

Super 88

Multiple Locations

Website: www.super88market.com

My Rating: ***1/2

Review: Super 88 is an Asian supermarket chain serving the greater Boston area.  Here you can find cheap produce, a panoply of Asian spices and sauces, and an array of frozen meat analogs like the ones served in many Asian Vegetarian dishes at your favorite restaurants.  They carry a selection of canned soy meats which I’ve never been brave enough to try.  Unfortunately, Super 88 also carries an assortment of live animals to be sold as food, which makes it a difficult place for many vegans to patronize (both emotionally and ethically).

Click here for Super 88 locations.

 

Trader Joes

Multiple Locations

Website: www.traderjoes.com

My Rating: ***

Review: By and large, I think Trader Joe’s is tremendously overrated.  Recently, I think their vegan selection has dwindled and their produce section is always terribly disappointing.  However, their Trader Joe’s brand stuff is affordable without sacrificing quality.  They offer a great selection of frozen vegetables, and I love their Burger Nouveau, Chick-Free Nuggets, Dairy Free Burritos, PB-O’s (Peanut Butter Oreos!), and Vegetable Pot stickers.  They also have a small personal care section, where you can find reasonable priced cruelty free products such as hand lotion, dish soap, tooth paste, etc.

Click here for a list of Trader Joe’s locations in Massachusetts.

 

Whole Foods            

Multiple Locations

Website: www.wholefoods.com

My Rating: *****

Review: John Mackey, the CEO, chairman, and co-founder of Whole Foods is vegan, so it’s no wonder that Whole Foods stocks an array of vegan grocery items that are hard (if not impossible) to find elsewhere in Boston.  While the produce here can be pricy, it’s worth it because it’s all organic and high quality.  “Specialty” items such as vegan cheese, meat analogs, soy ice cream, and vegan baked goods are staple items here.  On-site bakery items usually include items such as vegan cupcakes, cookies, pies, and cakes, all of which make my mouth water.  Also, make sure you seek out the “desserts for special diets” display, which has a shelf full of vegan goodies from companies like Boston Cookies, Alterative Baking Co, and Hippie Chick Bakery (vegan marshmallows!).  Even better, Whole Foods has a large selection of cleaning supplies, cosmetics and personal care items, many of which are vegan and cruelty-free.  The Symphony location has a parking garage that is free for shoppers, which is a plus because street parking can be hard to find.  However, I find this location maze-like and claustrophobic and prefer shopping at the Brighton location despite the fact that it’s further away from my house.  The Wellesley Hills store is small, but somehow manages not to skimp on selection.  The Charles River Plaza location is Boston’s newest location, and my new favorite.  It has the best selection of vegan ice cream treats gluten-free products, there’s an entire room devoted to bath/body/cosmetic items, and I was able to find items that have been eluding me, such as Mrs. Myers cleaning products and vegan baking mixes from Cherrybrook Kitchen.  Shoppers can park for free in the adjacent parking garage.  The Alewfie location is already enormous and expanding quickly.  When renovations are complete, it will house the largest produced selection in New England!

Click here for a list of Whole Foods location in Massachusetts.

 

 

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PERSONAL CARE

 

Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Wild Oats, and the Shaw’s in Allston all carry a decent selection of toiletries and personal care items.  Good Health in Quincy and Hanover has a great selection of supplements, and health & beauty items. 

 

Aveda            

Multiple Locations

Website: www.aveda.com

My Rating: *****

Review: Aveda believes in “connecting beauty, environment, and well-being”.  They manufacture natural/organic hair care, skin care, makeup, men’s, and aromatherapy products which are all cruelty-free (and many of them are vegan).

Click here to find an Aveda Concept Salon, Spa, or Experience Center in the Boston area.

 

The Body Shop

Multiple Locations

Website: www.the-body-shop.com

My Rating: ****

Review: All of The Body Shop’s products are cruelty-free, and many of them are vegan.  They offer a variety of cosmetics, fragrances, hair care, skin care, bath, and body products.  Because it’s a national chain, their products are easy to find almost anywhere.  Items can also be purchased through their online store.

Click here to see The Body Shop’s Boston area locations.

 

Cambridge Naturals                       

Porter Square Shopping Center

23 White Street

Cambridge, MA 02140

Tel: 617-492-4452

Website: www.cambridgenaturals.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm

My Rating: ****

Review: The independently owned Cambridge Naturals, located in Cambridge’s Porter Square sells “the best choices in vitamins, herbs, body care, books, and yoga supplies for healthy living”.  Here, you’ll find an unparalleled selection of supplements and herbs, as well as a decent body care and cosmetics selection.  Cambridge Naturals is also one of the few places in Boston to carry the vegan styles from Earth Footwear, and the vegan Chuck Taylor look-alikes from No Sweat Apparel.  Visit their website for coupons and info and store specials.  (10/04/06)

 

Green Street Natural Food            *Exclusively Vegetarian*    

164 Green Street

Melrose, MA 02176

Tel: 781-662-7741

Website: www.greenstreetnaturalfood.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Closed Sunday

My Rating: ****

Review:  This small family owned natural foods store is 100% vegetarian!  Despite their small size, they offer a great selection of bulk dry goods, organic produce, frozen foods, personal care items, and supplements.  They are knowledge about their stock, extremely helpful, and are willing to special order certain items.  Street parking is available, and FREE home delivery is available in select areas.  This locally owned, totally vegetarian store is a gem.  (9/01/07)

 

Lush               

166 Newbury Street                             30 JFK Street

Boston, MA 02116            and Cambridge, MA 02138

Tel: 617-375-5874                              Tel: 617-497-5874

Website: www.lush.com

My Rating: *****

Review:  Lush sells exquisite (and expensive) handmade soaps, bath salts, hair care, fragrances, and other personal care items.  They offer plenty of vegan options (all of which are clearly marked).  All of their products are cruelty-free, and use natural or organic products whenever possible.  Their products are also available online.  (07/28/07)

 

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SERVICES

Catering | Dry Cleaning | Salon

 

Catering

 

A Fresh Endeavor               

Tel: 781-860-0222

Website: www.afreshendeavor.com

My Rating: n/a

Review: A Boston area gourmet personal chef service that has a number of veg*n friendly options.

 

Cleaning

 

Healthy Homes Cleaning               

Tel: 781-926-0266

Website: www.healthyhomescleaning.com

My Rating: ****1/2

Review: Want someone to clean your house, but don’t want your living quarters smeared with chemical products that have been tested on animals?  Call Healthy Homes Cleaning, a local non-toxic, all-natural home cleaning service.  Healthy homes offers affordable rates, a flexible schedule, and superb green cleaning services. 

 

 

Dry Cleaning

 

Dependable Cleaners                    

Multiple Locations

Website: www.dependablecleaners.com

My Rating: ****1/2

Review: This local chain offers environmentally friendly dry cleaning, laundry, and tailoring services to the Boston area.  Unlike conventional dry cleaning practices which produce harmful chemicals, Dependable Cleaners uses hydrocarbon solutions and recycles as much as possible.   Dependable also provides recycling boxes for those pesky metal hangers…take one home, fill it up, and bring it back.  There are 17 locations in the Boston area.  Click here to find the one nearest you.

 

Salon

 

Chrisso Studio                     

19 Pleasant Street

Newton Centre, MA 02459

Tel: 617-243-3033

Website: www.chrissostudio.com

My Rating: ****

Review: This full service salon and day spa is an authorized Aveda concept salon, which means that all of the products that they use are vegan and cruelty free.  They offer an array of hair and skin services preformed by friendly and talented staff.  The experience of getting your hair cut here will make you feel even better than the awesome ‘do you’ll be sporting afterwards.

 

Salon Lison               

620 Hammond Street

Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Tel: 617-734-8100

Website: n/a

My Rating: ***1/2

Review: This Aveda concept salon is located just beyond Brookline, and provides friendly, sophisticated service at a price that won’t break the bank.  Because they only use Aveda products, you can be assured that you are getting a 100% cruelty free and vegan haircut.  They also do hair color, waxing, and manicures.

 

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