Ethical shopping in Bedford
In our survey about content for this blog, you told us that you’d like to read more about lifestyle tips and ways to live more lightly on the earth. In this month’s blog post we put the spotlight on three local enterprises helping you to spend your money more ethically and help the environment.
The Store (St Cuthbert’s Street)
The Store is Bedford’s zero waste shop. Customers bring their own empty containers to fill or use the paper bags and recycled jars available. Their large (and ever expanding!) range includes pasta, rice, oat milk, bread, fruit and vegetables, laundry liquid, soap and chocolate. An ethical sourcing policy means that you can be confident that the brands have been well researched, local producers are supported and that sustainability is put first. The friendly team are always ready to help and answer any questions you might have.
In July 2021, The Store partnered with local resident, Alan Cooley of Silverfields Living Walls and Bedford Borough Council to construct Bedford's first living wall. You can see it on the exterior wall of St Cuthbert's Arcade. Living Walls are a great way of bringing nature into towns and they have other benefits such as better air quality and absorbing noise and heat.
Fairtrade at St Andrew’s (Kimbolton Road)
Fairtrade at St Andrew’s stocks products from a range of Fairtrade producers, including Traidcraft which was set up as a Christian response to poverty. In response to restrictions brought in by the Covid-19 pandemic they set up a delivery service in addition to running the shop and stalls. The shop is open on Wednesdays between 11:00-12:00, in addition Coffee & Company runs in the foyer on the first Friday of each month 10.00 to 12.00 with the shop open alongside.
As well as being good news for workers, artisans and producers, Fairtrade is also good for the environment. Farmers are supported to improve soil and water quality, manage pests, avoid using harmful chemicals, manage waste, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity.
Green Earth Café (St Paul’s Square)
Green Earth Café is a vegan café, specialising in plant based food and cake. They use locally roasted coffee and are home to Made in Bedfordshire which supports local craftspeople by providing a platform to sell sustainable and handmade products. They also run events such as Craft Stash Swaps, music nights and advice sessions on aspects on environmentally friendly living.
And don’t forget about charity shops…
They do a great job of helping us to reduce, reuse and recycle. Plus your money does good by helping to fund the work of charities in the UK and overseas.
Do you have any other top tips for ethical shopping in Bedford? Let us know via online@putnoechurch.org.uk and we’ll add them to the list.
