
Our local area is packed with lively groups focused on making positive change in our area and the planet as a whole.
At Sustainable St Albans, we value collaboration over competition. We’ve compiled a list of local groups making valuable contributions to our society and environment but we’re very aware that this is only a very small selection. As we develop our resources and listings for businesses, groups and enterprises in St Albans District, do let us know if we’ve missed off a favourite.
Non Government Organisations and Charities
- Plastic Free Harpenden is an alliance of local people working with schools, businesses and community groups to reduce plastic use in Harpenden. The group is actively working toward gaining Plastic Free accreditation. See the group’s website. The group has a lively Facebook group offering local suggestions and support in reducing plastic use, and organising events. Join them on Facebook, twitter and instagram.
- Plastic Free St Albans is an alliance of local people working together to reduce the use of single use plastics in St Albans, in particular straws, plastic water bottles and balloons with the help of local people and businesses. Join them on Twitter @plasticfreesta and Facebook.
- Friends of the Earth St Albans is a local branch of the nationwide environmental charity taking action by lobbying local, national and international politicians and companies.
- Greenpeace St Albans is a local group of the international environmental charity that meets regularly and campaigns to protect the planet and its people.
- Extinction Rebellion St Albans is part of the global grassroots environmental movement aiming to inspire change to avoid tipping points in the climate system, biodiversity loss, social and economic collapse.
- Divest Herts aims to tackle climate change at a local level by encouraging Herts Country Council and other organisations to divest from fossil fuels.
- FoodSmiles St Albans is a Community Benefit Society that aims to encourage people to grow and eat more sustainable local food through building a community of food-growers.
- Incredible Edible St Albans, part of FoodSmiles, is a network of open community gardens providing food and growing skills to local people.
- Earthworks manages 3.5 acres of eco-gardens, teaching skills to people with learning disabilities and selling seasonal, local produce in local markets.
- Grow Community Sopwell is a local group of volunteers supporting people in Sopwell to grow their own food from home or in community gardens.
- St Albans Environment Action Group connects local groups and individuals with councils, supports councils’ efforts to improve the environment, and implements actions through local councils and bodies.
- Wilderhood Watch is an action group with its roots in Lancaster and Gurney Court Roads and is focused on sustainable local projects and campaigns particularly related to wildlife, hedgehogs, and urban eco-systems.
- St Albans Eco is a Facebook group to share local information and tips on living more sustainably and raise awareness of the climate emergency.
Local businesses: Food & Drink
- Refill St Albans is working to provide top-up points for reusable water bottles. Download the app for an on-the-go map of where to get tap water refills.
- Packaging-free businesses include The Refill Pantry, Eat Wholefoods, and My Refill Life.
- Local growers include Carpenters’ Nursery, Earthworks and Smallford Farm Shop.
- Lussmans in St Albans, Harpenden and elsewhere in Hertfordshire, is an award-winning sustainable fish and grill restaurant and food shop offering ready-to-cook meals, fresh veg, fish, cheese and essential pantry items.
- Box Local is a produce delivery service offering fresh, local and seasonal produce, based in St Albans.
- Plot31 is a community garden and social enterprise offering seasonal and sustainable flowers raising money for community projects.
- unpckd is a milkman-style refill delivery service, for pantry, toiletry & cleaning products.
- Harpenden Sustainability Market traders in this category include: Dosa Clique, Chilli Gold, Eat Wholefoods, Rudi’s Chilli Jams, Lukka Boutique Cakes, The Vegan Treats Company
Local businesses: Clothing, Homeware and Sanitaryware
- WUKA is a St Albans-based international business providing eco-friendly vegan reusable period pants.
- Harpenden Sustainability Market traders in this category include: Zen Studio Therapies, Balmy, Discover Blue, Wild Earth Academy, In Mind and Soul, Real Inspiration, Bee & Wild, Cosy Rosie Candles, Latino Assessories, The Hat Gallery, Edgy Threads, Tommie and Lottie, Reswirl, Trade & Retail, Jefferson Crafts