Eco Shopping Guide: Purchase with a purpose MY COAST

Loving LOCAL

Purchase with a purpose

Eco-friendly, sustainably made, zero waste, environmentally conscious, plastic-free … whew. It may feel like doing your bit for the environment is getting more and more complicated but, in reality, we can make a big impact with small gestures.

At home, replacing plastic items such as cling wrap for beeswax wraps, or standard toothbrushes for the bamboo kind, which are biodegradable, are great first steps. Or swap your harmful cleaning products for all-natural alternatives that are kinder to the environment. You’ll find some excellent stores below that sell these products and more. Instead of buying a keep cup, coffee lovers can sign up to the Green Caffeen program (see opposite) and say goodbye to single-use coffee cups. And rather than contributing to fast-fashion and mass consumption (we’re looking at you, mega-store lovers), consider shopping at second-hand stores or opt for locally handmade products. We’re betting you can pick up something unique that usually lasts longer and is made with less impact on the environment.

Here, some of our favourite stores to start your eco-friendly journey.

WORDS MEGAN ARKINSTALL

PURE BULK FOODS

A healthy and waste-free lifestyle is the mission for Pure Bulk Foods, a beautiful store in Ettalong that offers bulk shopping of wholesome and nourishing foods. Mostly sourced from Australian growers, the products here are organic where possible, high quality and affordable, meaning you can stock up on your pantry essentials without the supermarket crowds and support local business at the same time – win, win, win. These quality foods are packed in recyclable jars or you can fill your own containers from home, minimising unnecessary waste. And while you’re there, browse other sustainable goods, including re-useable cooking and baking utensils, all-natural cleaning products, and body products such as shampoo bars and organic toothpaste, to up your ecofriendly game at home.

Shop 7, 46–48 Picnic Parade, Ettalong Beach purebulkfoods.com.au

SORRY GRANDMA, LONG JETTY

What’s more sustainable than a pre-loved item? We have many a second-hand store on the Central Coast, but if you have a penchant for nostalgia, make a beeline for Sorry Grandma at Long Jetty. This retro cavern is lovingly filled with vintage bric-a-brac including kitchenware, cane furniture, wallpaper, art and a ‘kitsch cupboard’ full of fun oddities. You can peruse handmade products by owner Skye Hicks herself, crafted from recycled materials, including cushions made from vintage tea towels, quality children’s clothing in bright retro fabrics, and coats fashioned from wool blankets.

sorrygrandmashop.com.au

GREEN CAFFEEN

KeepCups are a great idea, unless you have the memory of a fish. That’s where this free ‘swap-and- go’ coffee cup program is brilliant. Scan the app at a participating cafe and you’ll get your coffee in a reusable Green Caffeen cup, which you swap for every coffee you purchase. If you forget your cup – no dramas – simply grab another and you’ll be reminded on the app to return your cups within 30 days (or you’ll pay a $12.99 fee). About 30 local Coast cafes are taking part in the scheme to reduce coffee cup waste, including Duck Duck Moose in Wyong, ParkLife Coffee in Terrigal, Kincumber Post Cafe, and Hardwick’s on Blackwall cafe in Woy Woy. Find out more below:

lovecentralcoast.com/news/green-coastal-cafe-crawl

HAPPY GREEN PLANET

This local online collection of eco-friendly products will have you kissing goodbye to some common plastic household products for good. Do your pocket and the planet a favour by replacing plastic pegs with longer-lasting stainless steel ones, single-use plastic wrap for reusable beeswax food wraps, plastic toothbrushes for the sustainably produced bamboo kind, and more.

happygreenplanet.com.au

KEAPSAKE

Forget mass production and fast consumption. With the planet and its people in mind, these exotic homewares and accessories are sustainably handmade by artisans from around the world. Curated by Avoca Beach local Sophia Willcocks, you’ll find hand-woven storage baskets from Indonesia; beaded jewellery created by young people in Cambodia, and brass bowls hand-beaten in India, among other exquisite items. Each purchase helps to fund a sustainable income for the artisan and in turn helps to preserve the traditional skills and heritage of these local communities.

keapsake.com

TAKE 3 FOR THE SEA

From small beginnings on the Central Coast, Take 3 for the Sea is now a global initiative cleaning up the oceans three pieces of rubbish at a time. And besides ridding our local beaches of rubbish, you can also help by purchasing merchandise. From reusable coffee cups to organic Indian cotton T-shirts to cleanup kits featuring a hessian bag and gloves, every purchase will help to fund education programs that teach about the importance of keeping our beaches and oceans plastic-free.

shop.take3.org ERINA FAIR COFFEE CUP RECYCLING

There are 6 collection points at Erina Fair to recycle your takeaway cups under the Simply Cups program. Recycle your cup to reduce the 20.3 million cups that go into landfill!

UMINA BEACH FLOWERS AND GIFTS

For stylish homewares, gifts and freshest flowers in Umina Beach in a relaxed and friendly environment, Umina Beach Flowers and Gifts has exactly what you’re looking for. Check out our wide selection of flower arrangements by qualified design florist and sourced from local growers to make your next occasion memorable. Supporting locals and Umina businesses for over 30 years. 281 West St, Umina Beach uminabeachflowersandgifts.com.au/

JASMINE GREENS KIOSK

We’re eco-friendly with our take-away kiosk open 7 days a week from 7am to 4pm, serving delicious Mecca coffee, fresh juices, fresh muffins baked daily and lots more fresh and healthy food. Your pet is welcome too! Sydney Ave, Umina Beach

PRO FLOORING

Come visit our showroom! From first contact, we make choosing the right flooring for your project simple and convenient. We provide flooring options for residential, rental and business spaces. 256 West St, Umina Beach. 02 4342 6666 proflooring.com.au/

TRIBE LIVING

At Tribe Living we strive to use natural fibres, fair trade suppliers and ethically made products in clothing, giftware and jewellery – made here, there and everywhere. We pride ourselves on friendly staff who ‘tell it like it is’. Coupled with an exciting range, it makes the Tribe shopping experience exceptional and unique. 352 West St, Umina Beach. Ph 4344 5111

THE BEACH KIOSK

Family friendly and located at the Ocean Beach Caravan Park, you’ll find crowd-pleasing, all fresh and hand-made produce, gourmet options, all the essentials, and deli. 90 Sydney Ave, Umina Beach

Loving LOCAL

UMINA BEACH

LOIS JONES REAL ESTATE

Totally professional and most trusted real estate agent, since 1967. For informed, uncompromising and effective results delivered in your favour, you can always turn to Lois Jones Real Estate. 226 West St, Umina Beach (Ph) 4339 7644 (M) 0439 739 324 lois@loisjonesrealestate.com

WORK COLLECTIVE

Beautifully designed, natural light workspaces for those who want to work closer to home, but not at home. With soundproofed phone booths perfect for Zoom calls. Super-fast internet. Second screens to plug into. Sit/stand desks. Complimentary tea and coffee, fresh fruit, snacks and sparkling water. 3/322 West St, Umina Beach (M) 0403 738 737 workcollective.com.au/