Sustainable Shopping in the North East of England.
Greetings, comrades!
I recently had a conversation with my inner monologue and we both agreed that:
A. I should talk to more people, and
B. It’s time my vast readership and I (no, you’re deluded!) discussed the brilliance of Newcastle Upon Tyne-based zero waste and refill shop, Nil Living.
With that in mind, I’ve had the pleasure of purchasing numerous goods from Nil Living (usually dental) and the sustainable shop is yet to disappoint.
Admittedly most of those transactions took place in person, back when the ‘Rona was but a twinkle in the eye of Mother Nature, however, after the pandemic took hold, I was delighted to find that they also sell and deliver online! But this online revelation isn’t the sole reason for their feature on my illustrious blog, nay… there are many more…
Before we get onto reviews and recommendations, though, let us first set the scene…
INTERIOR. GRAINGER MARKET, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE – DAY
2019. Having recognised the rapid decline of the natural world at the hands of unsustainable human consumption, Fenham-born nurse Lucy Ritson resolves to found a shop for those who wish to change to a “plastic-free, zero waste and environmentally friendly lifestyle.”
LUCY
“.. In 2019 I stumbled across a zero waste store down south and quickly began
evaluating my habits. I realised I was very uninformed and ignorant of my
destructive lifestyle and so began educating myself. I began making small everyday
changes to live a little slower and consume less… I struggled to find access to local
resources which were convenient and within my student budget. Adapting to a zero
waste lifestyle was overwhelming, time consuming and not easy, so I founded Nil
Living to give everyone the choice of a sustainable lifestyle…”
CUT TO:
INTERIOR. THE INTERNET, EARTH – PREVENING
Two years later. Some wazzock writes a blog post about Nil Living.
Annnnnnnd scene!
All caught up? Yes, I am that wazzock! I know, I know, what a twist! Please, please, no autographs. Talk to my agent! Anyway, enough of my codswallop, let’s get on with it!
Based on a quaint corner in Newcastle’s Granger Market, since 2019 Nil Living has supplied Newcastle with the products and, more importantly, the opportunity to live a more sustainable life.
You want it? This shop has got it… well… within reason.
We’re talking sustainable:
- Bodycare
- Skincare
- Greetings cards
- Gifts
- Food (including snacks, flour, pasta, cereal, herbs, ‘free from’, vegan…)
I could go on… actually I will…
- Dental
- Gift wraps
- Personal Hygiene
- Reusable bottles and containers
- Refills (including body wash, laundry, soap)
.. and much more. So if you’re interested in adding another string to your sustainable bow, head on down to their shop in the Grainger Market, Newcastle Upon Tyne. However, if you’d rather maintain a healthy distance from people as restrictions lift, you could always use…
Nil Living – Sustainable Deliveries
At the time of writing, Nil Living has delivered sustainable goods within a 78 square mile radius around the Newcastle. What’s more, they’ve done so with zero emissions! How? By utilising electric vans for longer distances and electric bicycles for shorter journeys, of course!
That’s right, Nil Living has teamed up with local, zero-emissions transporters, ZMOVE, which has a fleet of electric cargo bikes at its disposal. Together the two companies deliver sustainability, to your door, sustainably. How’s that for going above and beyond!?
Speaking of which, I mentioned earlier that I recently took advantage of said delivery service and I can tell you’re dying to know what I ordered and how it went, so here goes…
I ordered a new bamboo toothbrush and bamboo toothbrush holder from 40 miles away without registering Nil Living’s usual delivery radius. However, my products were still delivered promptly and sustainably without fuss! Sadly, the lady who completed the delivery is still cycling back to Newcastle, to this day, but you cannot fault her commitment to saving the planet! Am I right!?
Nil Living, Nil Crime
Basically, folks, if you’re in the Newcastle area and you’re interested in buying goods that will reduce your impact on the planet, then Nil Living is a great place to start.
Either look them up online or head on over to the Grainger Market and say hello to the team in person.
Just… make sure you’re allowed to do so re. ‘Rona restrictions… and make sure you wear a mask… oh, and make sure to maintain a social distance… and finally, make sure to tell them I sent you…
.. they’ll say “Who?”.
And Now For A Couple Of Incidental Recommendations
Akala Bamboo Toothbrush (£4.99): I recently purchased this brush and can highly recommend it. With charcoal-infused, medium-strength bristles, it provides a really comfortable, efficient brush.
In fact, I dare say it’s my favourite bamboo brush to date! (You’ll find a thrilling article all about my favourite bamboo brushes here!).
Unfortunately, as with just about all bamboo brushes, the bristles are nylon but the stem of the brush is entirely compostable. That represents a massive improvement on your traditional plastic brush without sacrificing any of the quality.
Bamboo Toothbrush Holder (£2.99): Does exactly what it says on the tin without adding more plastic to the cycle. Attractive, smooth and hygienic, my teeth have never looked better… oh and the brush holder looks good too. In fact, it can hold the majority of toothbrushes comfortably.
Corn Starch Dental Floss Refills (£7.50): This might seem a bit pricey at first glance but you get two 30 metre rolls in one purchase, hence, unless you’re Shergar, it’ll last you. Entirely biodegradable, this corn starch floss is sustainably sourced and, importantly, does its job well.
Initially, I found it had a tendency to snap more easily than traditional floss but you quickly adapt to that. I’ve tried a few eco-flosses now and this one is up there with the best!
Waste Not…
If You Care Corn Starch Food Waste Bags (£5.50): These beauts might be more expensive than your traditional plastic (boooooo!) waste/bin bags, but you get 30 in a pack plus they’re made from potato starch and a fully compostable polymer.
So, not only will they last you 2+ months (depending on the size of your household) but they’ll look great on your CV come judgement day. Strong bags with strong morals = strong credit score with God.
Bamboo Cutlery Set (£4.00): Good gracious does my love of bamboo give the pandas a run for their money! Buy yourself a set of bamboo utensils and you can laugh in the face of those pesky single-use plastic pairs.
Furthermore, bamboo cutlery is actually stronger than its flimsy plastic counterpart, so, logistically, you’re actually making things much easier for yourself too. Simply pop ’em in your bag and you’re ready to make a difference!
Happy shopping, yer filthy animals!
