On a beautiful spring morning, the 1st of May in 1991, Better Earth, Columbus’s first Ecology Store, cut its ribbon in front of a small gathering and opened its doors for business. Energized by the growing number of eco-conscious ‘soul mates’, Dareen Wearstler opened Better Earth as a store filled with Earth friendly products. Composters, water saving devices, small range solar products, compact fluorescents, organic gardening supplies, earth friendly cleaners, natural personal care, recycled paper goods and more were some of the products offered. Four months later, Better Earth expanded into the North Market selling an assortment of natural products, personal care, aromatherapy and anything else she could squeeze into a little space. Twenty years later, Better Earth has relocated, refocused, consolidated, and is still squeezing as much as possible into a little space in the North Market. 

At the new location for Better Earth, Dareen Wearstler has recreated her store into an earth friendly, community and local artisan friendly, natural products general store and gift shop in the North Market. Handcrafted pottery, soy candles, handmade soaps, beaded jewelry, and hand blown glass are some of the products and gifts made in Columbus by local artisans. Being part of the North Market, Better Earth added edible products like Jose Madrid Salsa and an assortment of foods that are gluten free and organic. Also, although not a native Buckeye herself, Dareen has added a fun filled assortment of Buckeye and Columbus souvenirs to her offerings. “I know Better Earth has changed its focus since 1991, but my Mission Statement still remains the same, community-oriented and earth friendly. I am grateful to be serving Columbus all these years” says proud propietor Dareen Wearstler.

You can still find Better Earth and Dareen in the North Market on the east aisle next to Market Blooms and across from Pure Imagination Chocolatier. On May 1st, stop by to say hi and enjoy a little sampling of Better Earth’s hospitality.

During the month of April, Jim Siemer will usher in spring with unveiling his new painting titled “North Market in Spring.” Jim will also exhibit his various painting of Ohio scenes. Jim in honored to exhibit his watercolors at North Market because it his favorite destination in Columbus, Ohio.  Jim is a local artist who has been painting watercolors for over 20 years. Since Jim’s family built a cottage up on Middle Bass, Island in the early 80’s, many of his paintings are of Lake Erie scenes. Recently he has been focusing on creating paintings of Columbus and other beautiful places in Ohio.

Jim is a graduate of Bishop Ready High School, where he was first challenged by art teacher Sister Marie Miller to appreciate the wonders of art. Jim graduated from Ohio University, attended Columbus College of Art and Design and Maryland College of Art and Design. Jim has taken several watercolor classes in Ohio, Maryland and Virginia. Jim is a member of the Ohio Art league and a board member of Ohio Citizens for the Arts. Jim’s artwork are can be found in galleries and gift shops in the Lake Erie region and at the Ohio State House Gift shop.

Prints and note cards of Jim Siemer’s watercolors are available at Better Earth in North Market. Jim Siemer can be contacted at jsiemer9@earthlink.net

Dareen Wearstler has a penchant for putting together pretty combinations of semi-precious stones, gorgeous gems, interesting beads and sterling silver findings to create her one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable artwork.

Dareen Wearstler of Better Earth went green decades ago.  From her merchant booth in the Quonset hut to her current space in the Advanced Thresher Building, Dareen’s been sharing her environmentally conscious philosophies, earth friendly products and locally handcrafted wares with Columbus for years.

Dear Loyal Friends and Customers,

Better Earth in the North Market has supported and featured the work of local artists in Central Ohio for many years. One of our favorites is local craftsman and “legend” Robert Eickholt. Robert has been one of Columbus’ “stars” in the glassblowing community since 1978. His studio has nurtured numerous protégés and apprentices and his work has been featured in galleries both locally and nationally.

In Thanksgiving 2008 Robert Eickholt closed his doors and is no longer producing his beautiful blown glass. As a tribute to this outstanding artist and as an opportunity for glass lovers and collectors, Better Earth has purchased and will feature many final run pieces of glass from his final selection. Paperweights, vases, one-of-a-kind artist samples and more will be sold at Better Earth until our supply is gone. So please, stop in, take a look, admire and maybe even purchase a piece of one of Columbus’ native son’s beautiful works of art.

Warmest Regards, Dareen Wearstler at Better Earth