Keep the High Street Shops ALIVE… help them THRIVE!

In November 2019, Eco Store, Weigh of the World, in Northwich opened - THIS was a game changer for me! Local, and a brilliant concept! (you can read my blog post here). In addition to buying my fresh fruit & vegetables from John Griffiths' Green Grocers in Northwich, between the two of these shops, I found that I had 99% of what I needed! However, many small, independent shops, both in Northwich and elsewhere, are experiencing a massive decrease in sales, despite remaining open during the lockdown - people are doing their main shops in supermarkets. Before your supermarket shop, visit your local, small businesses first! Then only go to the supermarket if there is anything which you are unable to obtain! It is more important than ever that we support our local businesses - especially through this time of crisis! Furthermore, buying locally reduces food miles, helps alleviate our dependence on fossil fuels, reduce air pollution and cuts back on greenhouse gas emissions. With that in mind, I have collated a list of independent shops in NORTHWICH who are still open and operating, and what shopping options are available. Independent Northwich Shops Open/Online during Lockdown: Abda's Coffee Shop: Coffee and Tea can be ordered through their Facebook Page.Artisans Online: The Northwich Artisan Market is now online!Crafty Stitches: Online orders are being taken for delivery on FacebookFirthField Pet Stores: Open for business.Ginger & Browns: Pet Supplies at Blakemere - Open for online ordersJohn Griffiths' Greengrocers: 10 Witton St, Northwich -…

0 Comments

Product Review: Lavandi Organic Vegan Deodorant

Lavandi Deodorant

I was given the Chamomile and Bergamot deodorant to test by Weigh of the World about 4 weeks ago. And Lavandi provided me with two other versions to try – I took the Sports version and Sarah tried the Cedarwood and Sage.

What I liked most is the fact that Lavandi are based in Northwich, Cheshire, where I live! Lavandi have seen the need for change and have created a range of recipes that are all-natural. Lavandi’s Organic Vegan Deodorants are made from only the finest ingredients and are Zero Waste. With excellent absorption and odour control one application should last you all day, simply apply by pushing up from the bottom of the tube, then warming against your skin and then glide over the required area.

(more…)

0 Comments

Product Review – Georganics Mouthwash Tablets

Having used the same mouthwash for several decades, moving to “tablet” forms was daunting. I decided to give the Georganics Mouthwash Tablets – Thyme – by Georganics a try.

Georganics mouthwash tablets are made from entirely natural and non-toxic ingredients. The fluoride, glycerin and SLS free formula helps to restore a healthy pH balance to your mouth, maintain good oral health and freshen your breath. The tablets are perfect for travelling as they are a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional mouthwashes avoiding the unnecessary transportation of water (i.e. perfect for hand baggage!).

(more…)

0 Comments

Product Review: Faith in Nature Soap – Coconut

I have used Faith in Nature's Coconut Soap for some years - it is lovely to use: very gentle with a good lather and it does not leave my skin dry, and has a lovely smell. I had no allergic reaction - I actually use it in the shower occasionally! This is available from many shops, including Oxfam, but I have only found it on amazon without plastic wrapping (in packs of 18). Given the plastic packaging, I will not be ordering this again, but the product itself is very good! Additional Attributes 100% Natural FragranceWith Essential OilsFree from Parabens and SLSIngredients are vegetable derived, organic and are certified sustainable in origin

0 Comments

Loose Tea vs Teabags

I never gave tea-types much thought, until I lived in Hamburg, Germany (2000-2007). Tea was something that automatically came in teabags – I popped it in a teapot or cup, added hot water and let it brew. For me, varieties of tea (up to the year 2000) consisted of Tetleys, PG Tips and herbal (mostly chamomile) and ALWAYS came in a bag!

Lemon Verbena

When I moved to Germany, a whole new world opened: Tea shops are common in towns and cities, and Hamburg, being the largest port in Germany, had more than its fair share (in fact, a quick search on google showed me well over 100)! With more tea varieties than I had ever seen before in my life! And very few in bags! Rows and rows of large jars adorn these shops, and you can ask about the origin or flavours of any of them – and/or have a sniff! Every time I return, I come back with kilos of it! From whole leaf Lemon Verbena, to mixes of loose teas with roses…. It is part of my life and routine now (although I admit, I am more of a coffee drinker!)

(more…)

1 Comment

Product Review: Faith in Nature Coconut Conditioner

I bought this coconut conditioner from Faith in Nature before I started on my quest for reducing waste. It is a great conditioner which I have used for over a year, with good results and contains organic coconut oil and is brimming with tropical aromas and natural hydration. Although it comes in a plastic bottle, there is the opportunity to buy 5 litres for refill, however this also comes in plastic bottle… Never the less, it is a wonderful product, and does the job well.

(more…)

0 Comments