As Christmas fast approaches, so does shopping. But could it go hand-in-hand with sustainability?
With both a climate and a cost of living crisis clashing this festive period, saving the planet doesn’t need to mean breaking the bank.
Ecoveritas finds the UK produces and discards an extra 30 per cent of rubbish throughout at Christmas. Not only that, but 227,000 miles of wrapping paper are used each year – with over 83km squared ending up in the bin.
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Thoughtful and locally-sourced gifts go a long way. According to Finder, over half of the UK adults have received “unwanted gifts” for Christmas. Beyond the superficial disappointment, it’s even sadder to think those gifts might end up discarded in landfill.
Here is a list of independent shops that include sustainable, hand-made and locally sourced products for some last-minute festive gift shopping in our city:
1. Lucy & Yak
The independent company has opened its first shop in Bristol. This year, Lucy & Yak have also taken part in the Sustainable Fashion Week. Lucy & Yak offers a range of high-quality clothing. All of their processes are certified as sustainable, and they’re currently working with Ecologi to offset their carbon emissions. To learn more about their sustainable practices you can read their impact report here.
www.lucyandyak.com/blogs/news/our-new-bristol-store/11-13 Stokes Croft, St Paul’s, BS1 3PY
Lucy & Yak opened their Bristol shop earlier this year
2. That Thing
One of Bristol’s most traditional independent stores, That Thing offers lifestyle products from independent designers, including clothing jewellery and accessories.
www.thatthing.com/ 45-47 Stokes Croft, St Paul’s BS1 3QP
That thing showcases products by local designers and artists
3. Don Majors
The vintage and designer streetwear has been open for over 12 years. Don Majors sells unique, one-off pieces both online and in their shop.
www.donmajors.co.uk/ 233a Cheltenham Road, Bishopston, BS6 5QP
4. Future Leap shop
On Gloucester Road, the Future Leap sustainable lifestyle shop offers hand-made, plastic-free, and eco-friendly products. All items are locally-sourced from ethical suppliers. You can get jewellery, art pieces and even personal care items. Check our their Christmas market on everyday until Friday too.
wwww.futureleap.co.uk/ 1-3 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8AA
5. Fox + Feather
A great independent lifestyle shop, Fox + Feather opened in 2012 offering unique collections of clothing, accessories and homeware.
www.foxandfeather.co.uk/ 41 Gloucester Road, Horfield, BS7 8AD
6. Repsycho
Repsycho has true vintage at its core. The team measures each item carefully to improve the customer’s experience with sizing and fitting. With endless options for all budgets and styles, Repsycho offers preloved and affordable clothing.
www.repsycho.co.uk/ 85 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8AS
Repsycho takes an interesting approach to ‘true vintage’
7. The …….