If you haven’t tried taking empty containers and bottles to a zero waste shop, then you’ve been missing out. Not only is it fun to pull the lever and clatter all that pasta into an old biscuit tin (kids LOVE it), it also feels so much nicer buying products in natural surroundings without the advertising everywhere. It’s a much more chilled experience than supermarket shopping. Here’s what we know of:
Guildford
Twin Larder
Twin Larder has a great shop at 57 Guildford Road, Ash. Lovely shampoos, conditioners, household and laundry cleaning liquids, plus nice things like beeswax wraps to substitute for clingfilm. Works out cheaper than products in the supermarket, and good quality. They are now stocking more food items; dried fruit, nuts, cereals etc.
Check opening hours at www.facebook.com/TwinLarder/
Food for Thought
Laundry detergent and all sorts of cleaning products can be bought at this health food shop in Hayden Place, just off North Street near HSBC. If you can’t see it do ask, as it’s tucked away round a corner.
Emmanuel Church, Stoughton
Emmanuel have a small refill station as part of their Café and Fairtrade shop. Currently they stock hand wash, laundry detergent and conditioner, and washing up liquid. They will look to stock more if they're well supported. Opening times are 9.15 a.m. to 2.15 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Saturdays (between now and Christmas only)
Solar Sisters
Solar Sisters is a Zero Waste Shop, Refill Station and Café. Sisters Lucy and Nina welcome you in to enjoy great coffee, plastic-free shopping and fresh local produce. Promoting Earth-friendly shopping in a creative community-based setting. 86 North Street, Guildford.
Godalming
The Deli
The nearest place we know of to go for refills of dried store-cupboard goods such as pasta and lentils etc. Lovely items and easy to refill. If you are in Godalming it’s worth a visit. 101 The High Street.
The Yard Market
Just behind The Deli and has an eco refill station selling shampoo, conditioner, laundry liquid, fabric softener, toilet cleaner, washing up liquid, handwash, multi-surface cleaner, glass and window cleaner and antibacterial spray. Rear of 99 - 103 Godalming High Street.
Farnham
Keep
Keep in Farnham is located upstairs in the Okomoko café in Downing Street, with household cleaning products, toiletries and store cupboard ingredients.
Cranleigh
For Earth's Sake
Cranleigh seems to have this completely sussed, with a host of great shops for zero waste. The best shop I have come across anywhere, For Earth’s Sake, is a lovely refill place, with tons of choice, very cost-effective products and a wonderful atmosphere. There’s some fresh veg, but not a lot, but also fresh milk on tap, to put in your own container - if you forget a bottle it’s fine, they sell glass ones for 85p. They also sell duck eggs and a host of wonders. You’ll love it, and they are so friendly and helpful. Rumour has it they’re trying to open a new store in Guildford! Prayers for that please! Once you’ve done that, pop into the butcher and fishmonger opposite with containers, and you can get meat and fish without the plastic wrap. Then down the High Street buy your bread wrapped in paper at the bakery, and your whole shop is done!
Woking
Bare and Fair
Bare and Fair offer over 25 different refill products, most of which are sourced on circular systems from local suppliers, which means our empties go back to be refilled and reused too.
Bare and Fair normally operate out of Woking Market, but during the lockdown have set up a home delivery service and are gradually expanding the delivery service. They soon hope to open again in Woking Market.
Check out their website: https://bareandfair.co/