Buy-the-Kilo in Tynemouth promotes plastic-free shopping, local produce and art.
It’s an interesting combination
but it has a theme which we should all try to follow.
Most of you reading this will have a weekly household ritual, namely, putting out your rubbish bins. Next time you do it
here’s a thought. Have a quick scan at what needn’t have been wasted. With a bit of forward planning and some preparation, could you have got close to zero waste? Make it a New Year’s resolution!
However, that is the driving force behind Jackie Sewell and her Buy-the-Kilo shop in Tynemouth.
“It’s a simple idea but it’s one which can save money and help protect the environment,* says Jackie. “All customers need to do is ensure that they have clean containers and then fill them with a range of food like cereals, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, pulses, beans, tea and coffee. They can do the same with household cleaning fluids as well as personal items like shampoo, body wash and sanitiser.”
Jackie got the idea when visiting her youngest daughter at university. She and her friends were leading a zero waste lifestyle and would only shop at a local market for their fruit, meat and vegetables. Not only was she using fresh
and often locally sourced
produce, but she had no waste. Jackie loved the idea
discovered that plastic free shopping was unheard of in the region
and decided to do something about it. Buythe-Kilo was born.
But there’s also another reason to visit Buythe-Kilo.
Jackie had an interior design business for over 30 years and has always had a keen interest in art. She wanted to use art as a way of highlighting the worldwide issue of plastic in the environment.
“Alongside our food, household and personal products, we always have some art on show. We have a monthly featured artist which enables them to exhibit their work. We staged an event called ‘No Time for Waste’ this year to show how people can become part of the zero waste movement. We display art which has a serious message behind it. This year, for example, our art has followed the theme of Fast Fashion. Since we opened in 2019 we have exhibited over 50 artists from all over the world. We also invite local environmentally conscious businesses into the shop each week to sell their products.”
So, do you fancy joining the zero waste movement as well as checking out some of the most thought-provoking art? Pop into Buy-the-Kilo and see what’s on offer.
You’ll find Jackie and her team at the wonderful Tynemouth Metro station. The shop is open Thursday – Sunday. You can also order on line.
Visit her lovely website…
www.buy-the-kilo.com where you can see exactly what’s on offer.