Heading in the right directory

21 January, 2021 12:00 am

2 Min Read

21 January, 2021

Ros Bedlow introduces an initiative supporting ethical Leytonstone businesses

Adrienne Aslan, owner of Stone Mini Market, one of the businesses listed in Leytonstone Green Directory (credit Phil Mason)

Transition Leytonstone has launched an online directory to collate information about local businesses and initiatives that are making efforts to be ‘greener’.

The directory aims to help local residents identify businesses and community groups that are working to address the problems of climate change and environmental harm. At the same time it is supporting local small businesses when many are suffering as a result of restrictions related to Covid-19.

The idea for Leytonstone Green Directory came about as we realised that while local shops and businesses are trying hard to reduce their carbon footprint and their use of plastic, many people who would like to buy local and green are not aware of these opportunities.

We’ve discovered a variety of ‘green shoots’ coming up all over Leytonstone. Businesses listed are taking a variety of steps, including reducing waste by upcycling, repurposing, repairing and recycling; reducing or eliminating packaging; reducing energy use and/or using renewable energy; selling produce that is locally grown and/or organic; and using bikes or electric vehicles for delivery.

Businesses in the directory are either based in Leytonstone, or else in the immediate area and providing delivery or services to local residents. Entries so far include Stone Mini Market, a local store that provides refills of household cleaning products and a wide range of dry goods, such as rice and pasta, to customers who bring their own container to reuse.

There is also The Sit Collective, an upholstery business reusing fabric and upcycling furniture; Reconome, a local enterprise repairing and reconditioning IT equipment; plus Organiclea and Transition Leytonstone’s weekly market stall selling organic fruit and vegetables, much of it locally grown. There is also a bike repair shop, a conservation group and a not-for-profit company offering energy efficiency measures and advice, among many other green initiatives!

Adrienne Aslan, of Stone Mini Market, says: “Hearing that other businesses in the area where we live and work have the same goals as we do encourages us to keep going.”

Check out Leytonstone Green Directory: Visit e-voice.org.uk/leytonstonegreendirectory

Nominate a business or organisation for inclusion: Email [email protected]org .uk

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