At Stanley Marketplace, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a daily practice, a guiding principle shared among many of our independent businesses. Meet the faces behind the mission: Kayte Green of Recovering Hipster Goods, Lyndsey Gantert of ZERO Market, and James Williams of Iron & Resin.
From refilling household staples to reinventing closets, these businesses are doing sustainability in radically different but equally inspiring ways and redefining what it means to “shop with purpose”. Through their stories, values, and day-to-day operations, they are quietly shaping a future where sustainability is stylish, attainable, and deeply intentional.
RECOVERING HIPSTER GOODS: VINTAGE STYLE, MODERN MISSION
For Kayte, founder of Recovering Hipster Goods, sustainability isn’t just a mission — it’s a lifestyle. What started as a lifelong love for secondhand finds has turned into a beautifully curated shop full of vintage fashion, housewares and secondhand treasures. Every piece in her store has a story — and keeps another item out of the landfill.
“Sustainability isn’t a buzzword — it’s the reason we exist,” Kayte says. “The fashion industry alone produces 10% of global carbon emissions. That’s more than international flights and shipping combined. We couldn’t ignore that.”
More than just a vintage shop — it’s a circular economy in action. Through its buy-sell-trade model, the store sources pre-loved, high-quality vintage items from estate sales, vintage dealers and the local community, giving each piece a second (or third!) life. Customers can bring in their own pieces for store credit or cash, participating directly in the mission of mindful consumption.
“We are built on the belief that every item deserves another chapter — and that shopping secondhand should feel intentional, personal and joyful,” Kayte explains.
From buttery-soft vintage tees and broken-in leather jackets to midcentury glassware and hand-poured candles in reusable highball glasses, each piece is intentionally selected, cleaned and revived — mostly by Kayte herself. It’s a beautiful reminder that sustainability can be personal, stylish and full of character.
“Watching vintage pieces find new homes with people who genuinely appreciate their craftsmanship and story reminds me exactly why we do this,” she says. “It’s not just about selling goods — it’s about connection, storytelling and giving beautiful things another life. The quality and character of our pieces keep people coming back, and that loyalty means everything.”
Kayte envisions Recovering Hipster Goods as a local force for global change — offering a thoughtful alternative to fast fashion. By extending the life of well-made goods, it helps shift the conversation around consumption and keeps quality items out of landfills. Every piece gets a second story — and together, those stories build a more sustainable future. She also regularly collaborates with other Upcyclers and vintage lovers at events like the upcoming Old School Cool Vintage Market at Stanley Marketplace this May.
“If I could share one insight with every shopper, it would be that your choices truly matter. In a world of fast fashion and disposable goods, it’s easy to forget that our daily buying decisions ripple out and have long-term effects on the planet. It’s not about perfection — it’s about progress, and we’re here to help people shop with intention, one great find at a time.”
ZERO MARKET: WHERE SUSTAINABILITY MEETS EVERYDAY LIFE
Founded by Lyndsey Gantert, Colorado’s first fully zero-waste store began with one simple but powerful mission: to eliminate single-use plastics and make low-waste living easy, accessible, and inspiring. What began as a personal frustration with single-use packaging in food, body care, and household products has grown into a thriving hub for education, community action, and real change.
“ZERO Market’s goal is to make sustainable shopping convenient, helping the community reduce waste in daily life. While living completely zero waste is nearly impossible, we aim to support people in working towards that goal—minimizing waste with the resources we provide.”
At Zero Market, shelves are thoughtfully stocked with more than 1,200 eco-conscious products, each carefully vetted for safe ingredients, ethical sourcing, and environmental impact. From refillable soaps and shampoos to biodegradable dish brushes, surface cleaners, and natural deodorants, every item is designed to help you live lighter on the planet—without sacrificing convenience or quality.
“A zero-waste lifestyle is a journey,” Lyndsey says. “And like every lifestyle switch, taking it slowly is key to starting and maintaining manageable change.”
Lyndsey brings over a decade of experience in education and waste reduction to her work. Beyond the store, she partners with local schools and businesses, leads hands-on workshops, and sparks change through in-store demos and one-on-one conversations—all with the goal of promoting a circular economy and empowering people to take action, one small swap at a time.
Ready to begin? Explore their Super Simple Swaps to make low-waste living feel doable and approachable, no matter where you’re starting from.
IRON & RESIN: BUILT TO LAST, MADE TO ROAM
At Iron & Resin, the philosophy is simple: make high-quality goods that last a lifetime.
“We believe in using the best materials and building for longevity,” says owner James Williams. “Creating clothing built to last—that’s the core message of this brand.”
It is built on the belief that fewer, better-made items lead to less waste and more meaningful ownership. Their lineup of rugged apparel and accessories—think waxed canvas jackets, sturdy denim, organic cotton tees, and handcrafted bags—is designed to go the distance, aging beautifully with each adventure.
Sustainability at Iron & Resin is more than a buzzword—it’s a design principle. Every piece is made with durable, responsibly sourced materials like reclaimed leather, salvaged textiles, and organic cotton. The brand works closely with ethical manufacturers who share their commitment to craftsmanship and low-waste production.
Their small-batch model supports a slower, more thoughtful approach to fashion—one where items are built to be repaired and re-worn, not replaced. By focusing on quality over quantity, it shifts the narrative from disposable to dependable.
“There is an educational factor in what we do—offering information that helps with global issues, reduces consumption, and combats fast fashion,” says James. “I’ve realized there’s more awareness being created than I expected, providing people with insights they didn’t have before.”
Whether you’re headed to the mountains or just down the block, Iron & Resin outfits you for the road ahead—with pieces that only get better with time.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
What unites Kayte, Lyndsey, and James isn’t just their passion for sustainability—it’s their belief that conscious consumerism should be accessible, inspiring, and woven into daily life. At Stanley Marketplace, we’re proud to support businesses that reflect these values and offer our community ways to shop with purpose.
So next time you visit, explore their shops, hear their stories, and find something meaningful to take home. You won’t just be buying a product—you’ll be supporting a mission and discovering how shopping small can have a big impact.