Alternative Local Shopping Options

In the midst of the pandemic, many voices are arguing that we must learn lessons, seize opportunities and ‘build back’ our economy and society ‘better’ than it was previously, with its emphasis on conspicuous and often reckless consumption, waste and lack of thought for the future. And we are definitely amongst them. Even the government is using this language. But deeds are more important than airy words.

So we thought we’d just mention a few local options worth considering as you contemplate your shopping this season, and beyond.

1. Getting fruit and veg locally. Why bother travelling miles, when a variety of veg box schemes (e.g. Riverford Organics, Cain and Abel) deliver to the village, Hayfield News and The Village Store stock a range delivered frequently to store, and Village Greens do home deliveries and ‘stand’ with pre-ordered boxes, for collection, at the Pack Horse every Saturday morning?

2. Sourcing you books carefully. With apologies to anyone who might work for the incredibly efficient Amazon, but this company’s financial muscle threatens a huge range of small, local bookshops where you can (ordinarily) browse your selections. This is even more so in the pandemic, when bookshops have had to close their doors during ‘lockdowns’, but Amazon is allowed to carry on. Now, though, the Booksellers’ Association – the trade organisation for local bookshops – has set up its own home delivery service, with part of the proceeds going to the local bookshop you want to support. And personal use confirms it works!

   So, if you’d like to avoid using Amazon, as many of us do, you’ve now another alternative. Using Bay Tree Books in Glossop as an example, if you know what book(s) you want to order and have delivered to your home, place your order via uk.bookshop.org/shop/baytreebooks and it should happen!

3. Buying individually-crafted goods for someone special For obvious reasons, this year Handmade Hayfield is not able to run its Xmas Gift Fair outside and inside The Royal Hotel as normal.. But it’s still up and running!

   It’s moved ‘the fair’ online November 27th and 28th, but participating craftworkers are always ready to take orders and can arrange delivery. Go to www.handmadehayfield.com and see what’s on offer!

4. Shopping Zero Waste We’re delighted to advise the opening of a new ‘zero waste’ shop in New Mills, called, very appropriately, ‘Millers' Refillers’, who opened earlier this month.

   As with all such shops, it aims to help people reduce the amount of plastic and other packaging they send to landfill by selling a wide range of unpackaged/’loose’ goods and providing an affordable refill outlet. Goods are ethically sourced, and comprise a mixture of organic/non- organic, with all clearly marked.

   It's started out selling pulses, grains, pasta, nuts, snacks, herbs, spices, seeds, cereals, dried fruit, gluten free options, sugars, flours, baking ingredients, teas, coffee, beans, vinegar, vinegars, shampoo, conditioner, cleaning liquid, laundry liquids, eco-friendly soaps, and lots of other bits.

   If you’d like to try their range, Millers’ Refillers is at 34 Market Street, New Mills. They’re open seven days a week (most days 9-5, but 9-8 Thursdays and 10-4 Sundays). They’d be very pleased to see you! We wish them very well.

We hope you find these ideas helpful.