While the sustainability movement has been gaining momentum over the past few years, 2020 has shown the importance of shopping local and supporting small businesses. If you’re looking for ways to shop sustainable & local, here are a few New West businesses to help you get started.
New West Farmers market
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While shopping local can help lessen your environmental footprint, supporting small farmers can play a huge role in creating food security. What better way to do this than by supporting your local Farmer’s Market? The New West Farmers Market runs every Thursday until October 8th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Tipperary park (with 3:00 – 3:30 being reserved for the disabled, those with small children, seniors and the immunocompromised). Make sure to check their website weekly for each week’s vendor list or follow them on social media for updates!
Found Boutique by Union Gospel Mission
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Treat yourself to an afternoon of shopping downtown at Found Boutique! A social enterprise run by Union Gospel Mission, the boutique offers a collection of quality, hand-picked, locally-sourced treasures and ethically made jewelry and accessories. By shopping with Found, not only are you giving pieces a second home, but your purchase helps to fund meals, shelter and recovery for those in need. Visit their website for store hours or pop by to shop in person.
What’s Good? Vintage Apparel
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While it’s always good to support local businesses, it’s even better to shop vintage! Head over to What’s Good? Vintage Apparel check out their curated collection of vintage street style tees, caps and more. Hit up their Instagram for updated store hours and new drops.
The Refill Stop
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Hidden behind New Westminster Skytrain Station, the Refill Shop on Carnarvon offers a variety of bulk and plastic free soaps, personal and home goods. Not only do they focus on stocking local or Canadian made products, but they also have a bottle deposit program so you can shop zero waste! Order online or drop in for a refill of your favourite products.
Galloway’s Specialty Foods Ltd.
Serving the community since the 1930’s, Galloway’s is a locally owned specialty foods store located on 6th and gives you the option to shop for unique ingredients in bulk while supporting a local business. For more information on what they carry and for store hours, visit their website.
Don’t forget to share your sustainable shopping experiences with us using the tag #madeinnewwest.