Jordan and Joelle Hernandez 
Sustainability efforts take many forms throughout Hoboken. From composting and recycling to thrift shops and more, the city has many businesses that keep environmental friendliness top of mind. The City of Hoboken as a whole recently stepped up its sustainability efforts by passing the “Skip the Stuff” Bill, which requires all restaurants offering delivery to provide a ‘skip the stuff’ option, which would allow customers to choose if they want plastic utensils included in their delivery or takeout orders. The goal of this bill is to reduce landfill waste and is part of Hoboken’s ongoing Climate Action Plan and the goal of Zero Waste. In addition to this ordinance, many businesses are taking additional steps toward protecting our planet. We’ve rounded up a list of businesses in Hoboken taking sustainability seriously. Read on to find out how Hoboken businesses are practicing sustainability.
Alfalfa | 92 Bloomfield Street + 1110 Washington Street
Alfalfa is a local favorite for its salad and doughnuts, but perhaps where its biggest impact lies is with its sustainability and accessibility efforts. Now with multiple locations on both the East and West Coasts, Alfalfa stays true to its farmer’s market roots by ensuring that all ingredients are high quality and locally sourced. The business has also remained committed to supporting industry innovations that help make the environment better. Alfalfa was recently recognized by the City of Hoboken for its sustainability efforts in 2023, receiving a Green Business Certification.
Read More: Secondhand Shopping, Farmers’ Markets, + Transit: A Guide to Living Sustainably in Hudson County
Avocado Green Mattress | 12 Hudson Place
View this post on Instagram
With sustainability at the core of its mission, Avocado Green Mattress ensures that every part of the business helps to keep our environment healthy. The business has created Project Zero Waste, where it aims to recycle 90% of any waste created. The highest quality products are used from farm to mattress during production, and the company donates to and volunteers with numerous non-profits supporting sustainability.
Black Rail Coffee | 800 Jackson Street
Black Rail Coffee is off the beaten path in Hoboken, but its morning beverages have made a name around town. Black Rail Coffee was recognized by the City of Hoboken for its sustainability efforts and received a Green Business Certification for its efforts in promoting environmental responsibility. The coffee shop makes sure to use only real ingredients that are locally sourced, both for a better taste and a better planet.
Computers 4 People | 321 Newark Street
Photo Credit: Computers 4 People
Computers 4 People is making the world a better place with both sustainability and tech access at the core of its mission. This Hoboken-based non-profit collects donations of previously used tech devices like laptops, desktop computers, cell phones, and tablets and refurbishes them before getting them into the hands of those who otherwise may not have access.
Do Good Donuts | Various Pop-Up Locations Throughout Hudson County
View this post on Instagram
Just like the business name suggests, Do Good Donuts is a sweet treats company specializing in donuts that do good for the community. The business was founded on the principles of sustainability and giving back to the community where the donuts are made. Founder and donut maker Emily Wirt takes every step to make sure the business is sustainable. From doing most deliveries on a bicycle to composting a majority of waste created during the baking process, using locally sourced ingredients and providing a sustainable drop off option where customers can choose to leave a reusable container at their door for their order, Emily’s care for the environment is baked into every part of the business.
GTK | 1014 Washington Street
GTK is a Hoboken favorite, for more than just its famous chicken Caesar wrap. This business is doing takeout right with sustainable packaging and locally sourced ingredients. Over the years, GTK has partnered with various local businesses like Fable Foods to provide the highest quality ingredients that are grown locally. GTK is a certified Green Business for its commitment to being environmentally conscious in all areas of the business.
Lorraine’s House of Styles | 160 First Street
Lorraine’s House of Styles has been serious about sustainability since its inception. The salon has made sustainable practices a part of every aspect of the business, from recycling numerous products (think: plastic bottles, leftover hair color, and hair clippings) to installing low-energy lighting. All hair color by-product is turned into new energy sources, and the shampoos used in the salon are made with biodegradable ingredients. Lorraine’s House of Styles has been recognized for its efforts by the City of Hoboken and is a certified Green Circle Salon.
Main Street Pops | 770 Jackson Street + Pier A
Main Street Pops has a mission of bringing a Main Street America feel to the City of Hoboken. In addition to this mission, the monthly pop-up event makes sure to accomplish its goal with sustainability and small businesses in mind. Every month, there is a focus on showcasing vendors with environmental friendliness at the forefront. Additionally, its Earth Day Annual Event has been recognized by countless publications for the focus on dozens of local, sustainable vendors, including non-profits making a direct impact in Hudson County.
See More: 11 Eco-Friendly Businesses in Montclair + Essex County
Symposia Community Bookstore | 510 Washington Street
Making the old new again is what Symposia Community Bookstore does every day. The store is based on a donation model where guests can bring in used books, CDs, and cassette tapes to be resold to shoppers at extremely discounted rates. Rather than creating waste, Symposia gives what one person may consider old an opportunity to be used by another person.
Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.
