A stroll downtown will lead you to a green kitchen-design firm, a green architect that specializes in residential properties, a green clothing boutique, and a number of reclaimed-materials depots. All locally owned. All environmentally conscious.

Even before it was cool to be eco-friendly, Durham was hip to the green scene. The Scrap Exchange has been around for 18 years, peddling fabric remnants, apothecary jars and other assorted used items. The farmers' market is coming up on its 10th anniversary. Buying local, using non-toxic materials and working with what we've got in terms of property and resources is said to have a mitigating effect on the negative impact of the environment. Durham, many say, has been ahead of the curve on environmental matters.

"Durham is hip," said Ryan Hurley of Vert & Vogue, a boutique that opened in Brightleaf Square Friday. Hurley and his wife Nadira brought their two children from New Jersey to open the area's first eco-conscious clothing store. He said they chose Durham because it's progressive and has a consciousness.

"It's the antithesis of the mall," he said.

Vert & Vogue is just the latest business to stake out a spot downtown, occupying an already existing building. If you're interested in greening-up your home, closet, pantry, yard, or simply want to craft without buying a bunch of new materials, downtown Durham is the place to go.

Here's a sampling.

COMMON GROUND: Green Building Center, Green Kitchen Design, 326 W. Geer St. (919) 688-1500, www.cgcgreen.com

Paul Toma and his wife Dawn Hintgen opened the eco-conscious kitchen design firm in February a few blocks from Durham Central Park in a part of town that is still home to many abandoned buildings. His experience as a carpenter, and her work as an organic gardener and kitchen designer helped bring the business to fruition. They knew the eco-friendly materials on the market, and how to work with them.

After raising a daughter who seemed "allergic to everything," Toma and Hintgen say, they had to incorporate as many natural and organic elements into their lives as possible. It helped that both were environmental activists.

Some materials they sell are toxin-free cabinetry made with water-based stains, zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, marmoleum flooring (linoleum minus the chemicals), countertops made from sunflower seed shells, and recycled glass tiles.

"The attitude when people come in here is fantastic," Toma said.

He said he and his wife fell in love with the city while visiting friends a few years ago.

They knew many in this area shared their ideals. So far, word of mouth has been all they've needed to get going.

PETERS DESIGN WORKS, 619 Foster St., (919) 682-5307, www.petersdesignworks.com

Stephen Peters left a career doing federal research on education to hawk old table legs, windows, doors, and just about any architectural details you can imagine nearly 10 years ago. He moved from the Venable Building to this warehouse a few years ago, and now operates out of two large bays.

"I'm into historic restoration," he said the other day, surrounded by aisle after aisle of corbels, tiles, fireplace mantles, iron gates, benches, banisters and clawfoot bathtubs.

You can buy the items outright, or he can refinish them to your liking. He has helped many people add authentic details to new additions and retrofitted old homes with their original accents.

Next page >

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.