The Next Big Thing Is Small

We created Verdure because we were frustrated. We kept hearing “support small businesses” and “shop sustainably,” but when

we actually tried, we ran into the same handful of brands, the same aesthetic, and the same sky-high prices. Every time we searched for “ethical brands” or “eco-friendly gifts,” we got results that felt curated by trends, not by values.

So we started digging deeper. And we found incredible small businesses doing things differently. Brands with missions we believed in. Brands we’d never heard of. Brands that were truly sustainable, transparent, and committed to their communities. But finding them shouldn’t be this hard.

Showcasing Verdure to the University of Washington!

Verdure is our answer. It’s a marketplace made to surface those hidden gems—independent businesses that put people and planet first. Everything is curated by students and selected with care. We focus on affordability, real transparency, and ethical practices without the greenwashing. From clothing and jewelry to beauty, food, and home goods, every shop on Verdure has a story, and you can explore those stories at urverdure.app. We’ll also be sharing more on this blog.

You’ll also meet the Shrok, our symbol for thoughtful shopping and community connection. It’s how you celebrate your impact and share Verdure with others. (More coming soon.) Sharing your Shrok is how you spread the word—one friend, one small business, one good choice at a time.

Verdure isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being curious, connected, and intentional. We’re students who built this because we needed it too.

Let’s find what’s next together.

Start exploring and share the Shrok. Your next favorite small business is waiting.

The original Shrok - a symbol of sustainability and small business support.