Making more sustainable changes to our everyday lives often feels daunting. But there are lots of switches you can make – from switching to reusable baby wipes or kitchen towels – to refilling essentials like washing up liquid and soap. And businesses like Jefferson Eco CIC make it easier than ever with their reusable, refillable or recycled products. They’ll be back at the Harpenden Sustainability Market on Sunday the 20th of September. And this time, they want to hear from YOU about how they can make shopping for eco essentials even more convenient. Find out below how you can help steer their mission.
More than just a shop
Although Jefferson Eco CIC started life as a market stall craft initiative, it’s now a community interest company operating from a bricks-and mortar shop at 46 London Road, St Albans. The team – creative force Sonya, savvy business manager Danni and talented artist-in-residence Fiona – were inspired by feedback from their passionate customers to create an eco-hub and regular workshops to help people live more sustainably. They’ve been at the market since we began back in 2021, becoming a much-loved fixture.
As well as reusable baby wipes and kitchen towels, they sell a range of bathroom and kitchen essentials, as well as products made from fabric that would have otherwise gone to landfill. The shop stocks many past and present Harpenden Sustainability Market stallholders, including Tommy and Lottie, Edgy Threads, SO Natural Cosmetics, Shoddy Threads, Phase Out Plastic, Cara Josephine Designs, My Refill Life, Zen Soul Studio, Mighty Eve and Robert’s Workshop.
The workshop area above the shop hosts visible mending, sewing, crochet and weaving workshops.
What do the team enjoy most about Harpenden Sustainability Market? They particularly like its loyal visitors and lively atmosphere. They say they always have a great day, chatting with like-minded people.
Jefferson Eco CIC’s philosophy is simple: do what you can to tread lightly on the planet. They remind us that everyone is at different stages in their sustainability journey and what one person finds easy might be more challenging for someone else. If we treat others with love and kindness, then millions of small actions can lead to big change.
Stronger Together
Above Jefferson Eco is The Green House CIC, a community project designed to promote sustainability, protect biodiversity and reduce the carbon footprint in the St Albans district, which runs above the shop. You can drop in for information, pick up an item from the Library of Things, attend one of their many events, recycle hard-to-recycle items like blister packs, spectacles and printer ink cartridges, hire their rooms, source pre-loved craft items, and browse the eco and quilting library.
Looking to the future
Spurred on by recent heatwaves and the cost of living crisis, Jefferson Eco is on a mission to make it even easier for people to shop for eco-friendly products and refills – which usually work out cheaper than the supermarket versions.
Some of their ideas include:
- A travelling refill station outside schools so parents can combine stocking up supplies with the school run
- Moving venue to make it more accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs
- Click and collect from the website, or click and deliver to local customers
- Better variety of workshop sessions available or different timings
- After-school or school holiday clubs
And they want to know what you think – how can they make it easier for you to get the supplies you need? Get in touch with Sonya or Danni on Jeffersoncrafts1@gmail.com or have a chat with them in person at the market.
You can also follow Jefferson Eco CIC on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates on their events and offerings or pop into the shop at 46, London Road, St Albans, AL1 1NG.
Join us at the next Sustainability Market on Sunday the 20th of September to discover Jefferson Eco CIC and other local eco and food stalls that promote a more sustainable lifestyle. Visit our markets page for the full schedule of dates.