Our Story
The Sustainable Shop is an online store founded by me Claire, after I returned to the UK following a period of time living in Asia. While I was there it struck me just how much plastic and single use items we, as consumers, were buying and then discarding. Very little, if any recycling was taking place. Plastic carrier bags were handed out freely at the supermarket checkout, without any charge. The country's waste was shipped abroad, so the problem wasn't there in front of our eyes to see.
My children constantly attended parties, bringing home party bags, filled with plastic disposable toys. Then it got me thinking, surely there is a better way of doing things? I began hunting for more sustainable options and discovered there were alternatives available. It was at this point, I had the idea of launching a market place where people could find an array of products in one place, that could help you and your family live more sustainably.
I worked over 15 years as a Fabric Buyer in the UK for several major high street brands in the fashion industry. After taking a career break to raise my two children, I realised that people's attitudes to the fashion industry had changed. The mass produced nature of the industry now had less appeal.
If you have found my website and are reading this, then you probably agree. Imagine what could be achieved if everyone of us started making small changes to our lifestyle? I am here to help you on your sustainable journey.
Our Philosophy
I am passionate about sustainability and I want to be part of a world in which, buying sustainable products becomes the norm rather the exception.
My aim is to bring together in one place, a carefully curated edit of some of my favourite tried and tested sustainable products. I will continue to expand the range to bring you the very best products on the market. I am committed to supporting small, independent businesses and aim to source as much as I can from the UK, where possible, to reduce our carbon footprint.
In order to reduce the impact of my business on the environment, I try to use minimal packaging when sending out orders. All my packaging has been sustainably sourced, from companies who share a similar ethos on sustainability as I do. I encourage people to buy less but buy better. The products I sell are not only better for the environment but they are better quality than their cheaper, disposable alternatives.
I hope you feel inspired to try out some of the products I stock and that you feel hopeful about tackling climate change. I look forward to hearing your feedback. Thank you for your support.