Hey there! We’re the Mudd sisters – Katie and Erin – and we’re the duo behind Mudd House Mercantile, your one-stop shop for eco-friendly products. And guess what? March marks our birthday! That’s right, Mudd House Mercantile started back in the Spring of 2018, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate eco-friendly shopping with all of you who share our passion for making the world a better, greener place.
A Snippet About Us
At Mudd House Mercantile, we’re driven by our passion for sustainability and love for the world around us. I'm Katie, and my heart belongs to shelter and rescue dogs, always looking for ways to improve their lives. Recently, I’ve found myself in the rewarding world of chicken farming, with four beautiful hens who’ve stolen my heart. They’ve taught me so much about care, respect, and kindness to all living creatures.
I’m constantly challenging myself to improve my sustainability efforts, whether it’s hanging clothes on the line, walking more often, adopting a vegetarian lifestyle, or cooking from scratch to reduce food waste and live healthier.
When I’m not working on sustainability, you’ll find me cooking, gardening, or training for burro races in the Colorado mountains—something I’ve recently taken up to push myself further.
Erin, my sister and partner in this journey, brings a wealth of experience from her travels and time spent teaching English in the Peace Corps. Now settled in a community that values sustainability and gardening, she’s immersing herself in learning to become a Master Gardener through Colorado State University. As a literacy teacher, Erin believes in the power of reading to change lives and works tirelessly to help kids discover that magic every day.
Together, we’re combining our love for the environment, passion for animals, and dedication to education to create a space where sustainability thrives.
How Mudd House Mercantile Started
Our story started with a simple idea that quickly grew into a big, bold dream. One snowy afternoon in Colorado, I (Katie) was curled up on the couch, scrolling through the internet, when I came across shocking images of plastic pollution in the ocean and overflowing landfills. I was horrified, and the more I thought about it, the more ideas started to flood my mind. “What if I could create a business selling sustainable goods?” I wondered. At first, I imagined making and selling products at local markets. Little did I know, that initial thought was just the beginning of something much bigger.
As I shared my thoughts with Erin, she came up with an even better plan. “Let’s find small business wholesalers that make eco-friendly products!” she said. And so, we began our journey, discovering brands we still carry today, like Fat and the Moon, Marley’s Monsters, Eco-Bags, and Printed Peanut Soap. We were sold on their commitment to sustainability, and it felt right to bring their products into our little world.
How We Came Up with the Store Name
The story behind the name "Mudd House Mercantile" is pretty fun! We tossed around some truly hilarious, and let’s be honest, pretty terrible names that just didn’t feel right. Since our last name is Mudd, and we’ve always loved it, we knew it had to be part of the name. I think Erin suggested "House," and I came up with "Mercantile" — though, I think she’d probably argue otherwise! Ha ha! Either way, it just felt like the perfect fit.
Our First Big Market!
Fast forward to our very first big market in April 2018. We were at the Fetch market in Denver, braving the chilly parking garage, shivering in the cold but feeling on top of the world. Even though it was freezing, we had so much fun, and guess what? We made some sales! It was exhilarating to see people excited about purchasing sustainable alternatives. We thought, "Maybe we really are onto something!"
Opening a Brick n' Mortar
A couple of years passed, and we kept doing markets here and there. Then, in 2020, when COVID hit, we had plans to open a brick-and-mortar shop. But with all the uncertainty, our landlords wisely suggested we hold off. We took their advice, and in the fall of 2021, we opened our very first store. For three years, we ran our brick 'n mortar shop, but we eventually made the tough decision to pivot fully online. This shift allowed us to spend more time with our families, reach more people, and continue doing what we love – offering eco-friendly products to everyone.
Running a small business is no easy feat. There are always challenges and bumps in the road, but every time we make a sale, it feels like a little victory. We know that supporting small businesses like ours is vital to keeping communities vibrant and thriving. Even though we've shifted to being a fully online sustainable store, we're still the same two sisters, working tirelessly to make a positive impact on both the environment and people's lives.
So, Why are We Passionate About Eco-Friendly Shopping?
The answer is simple: WE LOVE Mother Earth! Growing up in Colorado, we were surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. Our childhood was filled with adventures like camping, backpacking, and fishing. Our parents instilled in us a deep respect for nature and taught us the importance of caring for the planet. We were raised with the values of preserving the environment, respecting animals, and living in harmony with the Earth. And, of course, we always remembered Woodsy Owl’s wise words: "Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute." Those lessons stuck with us and are the foundation of why we decided to start our sustainability business. We’re committed to doing our part in taking care of the planet, just as our parents taught us, and spreading that love for nature to others along the way.
Our Top Picks for Eco-Friendly Shopping
We know that eco-friendly shopping makes a real difference, and we’re excited to share some of our absolute favorites from Mudd House Mercantile! These are the eco-friendly essentials we personally love and use all of the time.
Katie’s Eco-Friendly Shopping Picks:
Meliora Stain Stick – I got a new winter coat and a few days after having it, I got food grease on it. It was a pretty noticeable stain and the stain set in before I got home. I added a bit of water to my coat, rubbed the Meliora stain stick on the stain, threw it in the wash, and the stain came out! It is an amazing laundry stain remover and highly recommend it—love that it is non-toxic and environmentally safe!
Meliora Stain Stick
$5.00
Meet Your New Stain-Fighting Hero Wave goodbye to stubborn stains with the Meliora Stain Stick, your trusted solution for tackling tough spots. Made with natural, plant-based ingredients, this powerful soap stick works hard on stains while staying gentle on your… read more
GladRags Reusable Pad – Say goodbye to disposable pads and hello to comfort, sustainability, and zero waste! Did you know that the average woman throws away around 331 pounds of menstrual products in their lifetime? (Data from the Harvard Business School) GladRags are not only healthier for you, but they’re also ultra-absorbent, breathable, and made to last for years—keeping waste out of landfills. This is the best eco-friendly shopping purchase!
GladRags Pads
$15.00
Your Eco-Friendly, Comfortable, and Stylish Choice! Say hello to the GladRags Reusable Pad—your new best friend for menstrual and incontinence care. Made from high-quality cotton, these reusable sanitary pads are free from harmful chemicals, making it a safe and natural… read more
Friendsheep Dryer Balls – These adorable wool dryer balls not only cut down on drying time (hello, lower energy bills!) but also naturally remove pet hair from clothes. Plus, they replace chemical-laden dryer sheets with something natural, reusable, and effective!
Friendsheep Dryer Balls
$6.00
Soft and Eco-Friendly! Ditch wasteful dryer sheets and embrace Friendsheep Wool Dryer Balls—your must-have for a greener laundry routine! Crafted from 100% natural, untreated wool, these dryer balls offer a non-toxic, eco-friendly solution for softer, fresher clothes. Why You’ll Love… read more
National Park Candle – Inspired by the beauty of our national parks, these clean-burning soy candles with wood wicks crackle like a cozy campfire and fill your home with warm, natural scents. With a burn time of up to 50 hours, they make every space feel inviting.
Good and Well National Park Candles
$26.00
A Scented Journey Through Nature’s Best Bring the great outdoors inside with Good and Well Supply National Park Collection candles! Crafted with natural soy wax and a lead-free wood wick, these soy candles offer eco-friendly vibes and a clean, toxin-free… read more
Marley’s Monsters Unpaper Towels – A total game-changer for replacing disposable paper towels! Super absorbent, reusable for years, and perfect for cleaning, drying, and even as napkins. They make sustainable swaps effortless!
Marley's Monsters Unpaper Towels
$38.00
The Eco-Friendly Clean-up Crew! Say hello to Marley's Monsters UnPaper Towels—your new cleaning superheroes! Made from soft, absorbent flannel cotton, these reusable towels are perfect for tackling spills, drying dishes, dusting, and everything in between. Crafted from 100% cotton, they're… read more
Erin’s Eco-Friendly Shopping Essentials:
Kantha Dish Towel – Handmade from recycled saris and fair trade, these towels are absorbent, durable, and bring a pop of color to your kitchen or bathroom. Each one is unique, just like the artisans who make them!
Kantha Dish Towel
$12.00
Meet the Kantha Dish Towel Crafted from high-quality, natural cotton, the Kantha Dish Towel is as eco-friendly as it is functional. Made from upcycled saris, this towel isn’t just beautiful—it’s a sustainable choice for your kitchen or bathroom. Ideal for… read more
Yay for Earth Face Lotion – This all-natural, chemical-free moisturizer is a game-changer! Made right here in Colorado, it’s gentle, nourishing, and keeps my skin breakout-free while leaving it soft and hydrated.
Yay For Earth Face Lotion
$24.00
Your Go-To for Nourished, Glowing Skin! Welcome to the ultimate in natural skincare with Yay For Earth Face Lotion! This luxurious face lotion blends high-quality, organic ingredients like olive oil, beeswax, shea butter, and pomegranate seed oil to keep your… read more
Donna Wilson Hot Water Bottle (Seal Design) – Handmade from lambswool in the UK, this hot water bottle keeps me warm for hours, soothes aches and pains, and is absolutely adorable.
Donna Wilson Hot Water Bottle
$109.00
Warmth and Comfort in Every Stitch Experience unparalleled coziness with the Donna Wilson Hot Water Bottle, lovingly knitted in Scotland. This delightful product is a perfect fit for those who shop zero waste and seek eco-friendly products, offering both warmth… read more
Hen’s Wing Broom – A beautifully handmade broom that works wonders at sweeping up dirt and dust, all while being a gorgeous plastic-free piece of functional art.
Hens Wing Broom
$65.00
A Handmade Broom That Sweeps in Style Who says cleaning can’t be beautiful? The Please Send Word Hens Wing Broom is a handcrafted broom that blends tradition with function, making sweeping a little more satisfying. Whether you're tackling everyday dust… read more
Meliora Laundry Powder – My favorite scent (Lemon/Lavender/Clove) smells fresh and clean without being overpowering. Plus, it only takes one tablespoon per load, and it's completely free of harmful chemicals!
Meliora Laundry Powder
$22.00
Your Green Clean Laundry Hero! Elevate your laundry game with Meliora Laundry Powder Detergent. This powerful yet gentle formula combines natural ingredients like baking soda, washing soda, and plant-based surfactants to tackle stains while being kind to your clothes and… read more
Every little choice adds up to big change, and we’re here to help you make those choices effortlessly. Which of these favorites will you try first?
Our Goal for a Sustainable Future
At Mudd House Mercantile, our goal is to build an online community where people are excited about sustainability and working together to help Mother Nature heal and thrive. It’s not just about making big changes; it’s about doing better in small ways every day. Whether it's choosing to buy sustainable products, taking public transportation, walking, volunteering your time, or educating others, every action counts. We believe in living with less, learning how to fix broken household items, mending clothes, supporting second-hand clothing, shopping at small businesses and buying plastic free products. It’s about making eco-friendly choices and we want to inspire others to join us in this journey of living more sustainably and helping the planet flourish.
We are a small women owned business passionate about talking, teaching, and learning about sustainable living. We are constantly working to better ourselves and live more sustainably each and every day. The journey is rewarding, and I love sharing it with others!
We’re thrilled to be part of the movement toward a greener, cleaner world. Whether you’re shopping for sustainable alternatives, eco-friendly products, or looking to shop zero waste, we’re here to make your eco-friendly shopping experience a breeze. Mudd House Mercantile is stocked with products that are as kind to the Earth as they are to your lifestyle. From our market string bags to reusable tea strainers, we’ve got you covered.
Thanks for being part of our journey, and here’s to many more years of making sustainable choices together. So, why not start eco-friendly shopping with us today? Let’s continue to make a difference, one eco-friendly product at a time!
With love and gratitude,
The Mudd Sisters 💚
Visit our zero waste store for great eco-friendly shopping, gift cards and subscribe to our newsletter and save 10% off your first purchase!