Sustainable shopping in South London

If you’re a regular reader of our blogs, you’ll know that being environmentally friendly is a top priority at Urban Village (hence the pink bicycles). And it’s not just our team that care about their ecological impact: sustainable living is a growing concern for most of our clients, be they homeowners, landlords or tenants.

Luckily for us, our local area is teeming with retailers, manufacturers and traders that are as committed to making a positive environmental impact as we are. Here is our selection of local businesses who are making a difference, from plastic-free grocery stores to ethically made toiletries delivered to your door.

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Food and Drink

Gather in Peckham

This organic ‘refillery’ in Peckham promotes low-impact living, selling a wide range of essential items without packaging. Almost all of their produce is organic and ethically sourced: just bring your own containers (Tupperware, glass jars, produce bags, whatever you’ve got) and fill up with what you need. Just make sure your containers are clean and dry, or your produce won’t last as long as it should. https://www.wearegather.uk

Jarr Market, Herne Hill

On a mission to cut down unnecessary food packaging and waste, all products sold at this Herne Hill store are packaging-free. Not only do you bring your own containers, but food is weighed so that you buy only what you need. Products include cupboard staples like pasta and rice, toiletries, cleaning supplies and a range of eco-friendly, re-usable containers to help you get started. http://jarrmarket.co.uk

Naked larder Herne Hill

Another sustainable Herne Hill grocer, Naked Larder operates a monthly collection service, selling dried food goods like grains, cereal, tea, flour, sugar and more, as well as cleaning and personal care items. Simply order online at nakedlarderhernehill.co.uk and bring your containers to collect at the pre-arranged time. But if you can’t collect your order yourself, help is available, from…

Hugo’s eco delivery service

Local eco-courier Hugo partners with the Naked Larder to bring eco-friendly groceries to you. A courier will collect your containers, get your Naked Larder order from the store, and deliver it to your door for a small fee. You can find out more about Hugo and his green tricycles here https://www.hugoseco-delivery.com.

Local Farmers’ Markets

Farmers markets are a great way to pick up fresh, seasonal produce with reduced plastic packaging (although not every stall will have made the switch to completely plastic-free). There are plenty to choose from in south London, including Peckham, Dulwich and Crystal Palace to name a few. Keep an eye out for posters advertising your nearest farmers market or search online for upcoming dates near you.

Small beer, Peckham

Small Beer may not be an essential grocery item, but it’s so committed to its eco-standards that it had to make our list. A vegan, sustainable brewery, Small Beer specialises in lower alcohol beer and ethical production practices. Based in Peckham, this local manufacturer is the first London brewer to be certified B Corp, which means they meet the highest standard of social and environmental impact. Find out more about their range, and local stockists, here: https://theoriginalsmallbeer.com

Cosmetics and toiletries

Imazi Naturals, Herne Hill Market

For natural, vegan and sustainable toiletries that smell incredible, visit Imazi Naturals. They can be found at Herne Hill Market selling handmade soap, balms, body butters and more in eco-friendly packaging such as recyclable glass jars, tins and eco-paper. https://www.imazinaturals.co.uk

Tout nu

Delivering to many SW and SE postcodes, this eco-friendly company create plastic free, zero waste, vegan, palm oil free and cruelty free cosmetics, including shampoo and conditioner bars. All products are handcrafted in London and use minimal packaging made from recycled or recyclable/compostable materials. Order online at https://www.toutnucosmetics.com

Homeware, fashion and accessories

Herne Hill’s Sunday Market and Dulwich’s Saturday market on North Cross Road are both excellent places to source sustainable alternatives to fast fashion and mass-produced furnishings. Stall highlights include West Norwood-based creative Gill Scheure, who uses fabric from discarded umbrellas to make bags, bike seat covers, brooches and bunting, and Elite Transformations, whose jewellery and homewares are made from locally sources wood and recycled materials.

Take a look at their websites for more information on traders, times and how to get there.  

Herne Hill Market: https://weareccfm.com/locations/herne-hill/

North Cross Road Market: https:/www.southwark.gov.uk/business/markets-and-street-trading/southwark-markets?chapter=4

Whether you’re a local homeowner, landlord or tenant, Urban Village can help you at every step of your property journey. Call us on 020 3519 9121 or email info@urbanvillagehomes.com to find out more.

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