Did you know?
We are in the middle of Fairtrade Fortnight.
21 February to 6 March 2022.
Crystal Palace has long been a big supporter of greener businesses and home to many businesses that champion sustainable sourcing. Fairtrade is an important part of this and ensures good working practices, fair wages and responsible sourcing of products.
Look out for the official Fairtrade certified logo in shops and on goods you buy, to ensure they follow Fairtrade principles and sustainable business practices.
Fairtrade certification applies to a limited list of commodities, raw materials and products. You can find out more about Fairtrade here here.
Along with certified Fairtrade goods, there are a growing number of opportunities to choose planet-friendly products and services here in Crystal Palace. Here's a round-up of opportunities to shop greener in Crystal Palace.
Good news, It’s official: shopping sustainably and refilling is kind on the pocket, as well as the planet.
Rebecca from The Walkthrough has been doing some price comparisons and is also investigating a supply of Fairtrade noodles.
What she found recently has surprised a lot of people, who assumed they might need to pay more for organic refills. You can make substantial savings on everyday items like laundry liquids and handy pantry items, herbs and spices.
Let's hope more SE19 households are encouraged to join the refill revolution.
Even more refill options
Crystal Palace now has three businesses offering refills and a range of speciality ingredients, whole foods from around the world and cleaning products, with even more options popping-up in neighbouring areas. So, you have every opportunity to make a difference by supporting these businesses close to home.
The Walkthrough, who recently acquired edible refill business the Store Cupboard and trades Wednesday to Sunday at Haynes Lane. Take a look at the developing website for their story and interesting blogs on making cleaner, greener household swaps.
La Amazonas joined us during the pandemic and offers gluten-free products and a big variety of ingredients from around the world. Looking for a niche or unusual whole food ingredient? You are very likely to track it down here. Plus some great Columbian coffee and handicrafts. Vamos!
Find La Amazonas on Insta and on Westow Hill.
Let’s not forget Crystal Palace’s original health and whole food store, Planta, with a wide range of refills (cleaning, beauty and edibles) and shelves and shelves of natural remedies and supplements to explore.
Open daily on Westow Hill.
The local fairly trading practice, ethos and support for the green economy doesn't stop with refills. We have the wonderful Saturday Crystal Palace Food Market, open 10-3pm on Saturdays. https://www.crystalpalacefoodmarket.co.uk
The Library of Things, based at Upper Norwood Library hub and growing fast around London, to borrow handy household appliances, tools and more
Real Nappy Life on Westow Street for reusable cloth nappies, advice and a range of eco-baby products https://realnappylife.co.uk/
Pop in to visit Saadia at Haven Wellness on Westow Street, who is passionate about Fairtrade and sustainable business. She nurtures relationships with all her suppliers and makers of eco-friendly and cruelty-free products.
You can even turn your eyes green. Crystal Eye Centre, stocks a range of stylish eco-specs with their Eco Conscious Collection, currently on display in their Westow Hill window, with bio-degradable plastic-free packaging, international sustainability certification and a donation to fund British Seagrass meadow planting.
And visit long-time fairly-traded favourites Coconut Trading on Church Road, for exquisite gifts, jewellery, interior decor and homeware sourced from around the world. You can a taste for Perry's treasures on Instagram, but a visit is recommended.
There are so many options to try right here in SE19. Where will you try during Fairtrade fortnight?
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