We all know that our shopping habits have a huge impact on the environment, whether it's the carbon footprint of the next day Amazon delivery, the single use plastic packaging that so many big brands still use, the non-recyclable receipt paper, or just a cheaply made item that is not built to last and will therefore end up in landfill far too soon. We are becoming more aware of our environmental impact as consumers, but how do we change our habits?
One huge change that you can make is to start shopping small.
When you buy an item from one of our markets you can chat to the maker about their materials and the environmental impact of the product. Our makers are experts in their field, and can answer all of your questions about the production process. Often with big retailers it's possible to find information you can trust.
Buying a local handmade or bespoke item means that it is built to last. Once you've met the maker, learned all about their business ethic and creative process, you will love your purchase that little bit more, and you'll be more likely to keep it forever. Plus products made in the UK by local makers don't carry the carbon footprint of products mass produced abroad.
By shopping at our pop-up shop, not only do you reap all these environmental benefits of buying from local artisans, but your purchases help us in our work with the UNA Eastbourne to plant Mvule trees in Uganda. We also keep plastic to a minimum in our shop - giving preference to traders with zero waste packaging, and environmentally conscious products.
If you want to find out more about shopping small with us at our pop-up shop in Elephant & Castle, head to this page. If you’d like to know about our upcoming markets, please head here.