Photography by Jane Kortright
Alexia Redman is doing everything in her power to pave the road less traveled and make it as easy as possible for the community to follow. With a passion for sustainability —specifically reducing the trash that inevitably makes its way to our oceans — she has created The Earth Pantry. Working with farmers, dairies, artisans and others with the same goal, Redman curated a grocery shop-and-refill store where every product is local, organic or fair trade.
The store’s offerings are impressive, from milk and seasonings to bamboo dental floss, jewelry made with recycled plastic, laundry detergent, sunscreen, dried fruit and snacks, plastic-free hair ties — a wide variety of pantry staples and more.
“We want this store to be as local as possible … My heart is for young people who want to do the right thing for the environment but are on a budget. We try to keep our prices as low as we possibly can.” Redman is constantly looking to collaborate with other businesses to further expand what the shop has to offer.
She knows what it’s like to be passionate about the environment. At five years old she wanted to grow up to “save the ocean.” A circuitous route brought her to Augusta — growing up in Atlanta and of Puerto Rican heritage, she has always had a desire to travel and see the world. Redman and her husband haven’t lost their love for travel and scuba diving, but they have settled on a farm in Hephzibah where they focus on growing produce and researching native blueberry pollinators.
The Earth Pantry allows Redman to use her degree in Integrative Studies with a concentration in oceanography, marketing and leadership as a way to provide sustainable products and education for locals. She hopes to show others how easy it is to make everyday changes. “Anyone can do it,” says Redman. “It doesn’t need to be overwhelming and intimidating.”
Customers can bring their own containers for refilling products at her shop. They can also purchase them in-store or sometimes she carries a few free jars for those who need them. Additionally, she loves answering questions, explaining the best ways to use beauty and cleaning products, how the refill process works and why it’s important.
Visit the shop at 1026 Broad Street or at theearthpantry.com to learn how you can turn the road less traveled into the road more traveled.
Seen in the August/September 2024 issue of Augusta magazine.
