Being Green in Quarantine
Well! 2020 is turning out a bit different, isn’t it? Lockdown. Quarantine. Shielding. Handwashing. Isolation. Bubbles. And while it can all get a bit claustrophobic and tedious, Terry Waite recently pointed out that he spent 1,763 days locked down in isolation in appalling conditions – and suddenly it doesn’t seem so bad. “You’re not stuck at home – you’re safe at home,” he said.
On the bright side, our lockdown has meant a reduction in pollution and noise levels. Wildlife sightings are more frequent; people are tuning in to birdsong and taking up birdwatching. People have been walking and cycling more and at the time of writing the UK had just completed a second month without burning any coal for power.
Something else blossomed too: an entrepreneurial spirit sprang up out of small, local, furloughed businesses, adapting to the new normal to and different ways to help the community whilst helping their businesses and suppliers. The Tipsy Fox began offering grocery and hot meal deliveries. The Countryman converted the pub into a grocery store and also offered takeaway hot meals. The Bax Castle developed a sophisticated way of distancing takeaway collections.
Another small, local company that came to the rescue was Zero Waste Bulk Foods, an online plastic-free bulk store with over 170 products from vegan and organic ranges to eco-friendly household items, now delivered to your door. Everything is packed to order in recyclable paper bags or biodegradable, home compostable 100% plant based bags so if you are still struggling to find flour or pasta – this is the place for you and you can reduce your waste at the same time.
The owner, Nicky Newton, covers the Southwater area and has waived the delivery charge for Southwater residents - just type SOUTHWATER in the order code box. Tel: 07549 984 091, email: info@zerowastebulkfoods.co.uk and shop: www.zerowastebulkfoods.co.uk
With face masks becoming increasingly prevalent, and even compulsory in some situations, it is sad to see so many single-use masks washing up in our seas, rivers, towns and beauty spots. They’re not only a health hazard for humans but also for wildlife and the environment. Here in Southwater, Christine Bletchley has been busy making re-usable masks in a range of fabrics to order. She charges £2.50 per mask and £1.50 of that goes to St Catherine’s Hospice. This is a great idea: good for the environment and good for St Cath’s! To order yours call, or text, Christine on 0790 815 7154.
As we start to emerge, blinking, into the sunlight, it’s worth remembering that the giant supermarkets and fast food chains will all survive the pandemic while those small, special businesses that helped out during our hour of need will need our support more than ever to help keep Southwater unique.