University of Gloucestershire student Demi Wilson highlights Cheltenham’s contribution to sustainability through its efforts to reduce the use of plastics and promote locally sourced organic produce.


Do you look to support local businesses and shop responsibly? If you do, Cheltenham has so much to offer you, and it’s all right on your doorstep! From waste reduction to simple charity shopping, Cheltenham is a town that cares about its environment and the quality of produce that it sells to customers. Whatever your shopping needs, you can find affordable and economic options in and around the town centre.



Reduce, reuse, recycle is the word around town!
If you are looking for a shop that prioritises reducing food waste and plastic usage, FoodLoose in the High Street has you covered. FoodLoose is an example of a wide range of eco-friendly businesses that offer sustainable and locally sourced produce.

This warm and friendly shop thrives off community and supporting the local businesses that surround them, sourcing their eggs from Court Farm in Stoke Orchard and their honey from Harry’s Honey on the outskirts of the town.

Their contribution to the reduction of food waste is evident through their invitation to buy ingredients in specific measurements rather than the pre-packaged, pre-measured counterparts typically sold in supermarkets. Whether you are a student buying for yourself, a single shopper or a small family looking for less wasteful ways to shop, this is the perfect choice for you.



Unsure what to eat to feel your best? Let nature lead the way
Whole foods ingredients should be the baseline of a healthy and sustainable diet, so finding stores that prioritise this is important. Holland & Barrett and Grape Tree are accessible and reliable, offering the basics for responsible eating.

Just outside of the High Street on bath road, The Natural Grocery Store also provides a plethora of whole food ingredients. For the past twenty-seven years, the store has worked to get Cheltenham eating mindfully. Provided by Suma Wholefoods, the shop stocks seventy percent organic and thirty percent natural Fair Trade produce. They also source some items locally, including Cotswold Bees honey and Bespoke Brewing Co ale. The extent of their sustainability isn’t limited to food, but also extends to clothing, packaging and household products.



Pre-loved fashion to be re-loved by you
A great way to give back to the community is to provide others with the opportunity to explore clothes in your wardrobe that no longer serve you. In return, you can fill the newfound gaps your wardrobe some pre-loved pieces. We have a vast array of charity shops in Cheltenham, including the Blue Cross, Salvation Army, British Heart Foundation, Sue Ryder, Great Western Air Ambulance and Cheltenham PDSA outlets.

If you prefer to seek out vintage and designer second-hand items, make your way to ReVamp Recycle Boutique, FITSZOO or Mint Clothing Agency. These stores offer the opportunity to shop for high-quality items that are kind to both your pocket and the planet. ReVamp are particularly eco-conscious, operating a no-fur police, prioritising the reuse of materials to make practical items like throws and cushions, and even collaborating on projects such as the Student Revival Programme, which focuses on up-cycling, repurposing and promoting eco-business values.

Keep it Grene, keep it clean – sustainable and stylish homeware
Decorating your home in a manner that has minimal environmental impact is no mean feat, and often the little things can go unnoticed. Many of us are in the habit of recycling items and their packaging at the end of their life, but we can go further than this by purchasing environmentally-friendly products in the first instance.

Shops such as Sostrene Grene in The Brewery Quarter make this particular task much easier. Taking inspiration from their Nordic roots and focusing on the careful selection of materials for their products – including stainless steel, wood and recycled plastic – the company offers a great selection of eco-friendly homeware, including vegan soaps and candles made from stearin, a natural material often derived from vegetable oils.


Prefer to shop online? We’ve got you covered
For those looking to shop sustainably online, fear not – there are plenty of options that still allow you to support our local businesses. Along with the shops referenced above, Felt So Good is the online store of your dreams. Their handcrafted, Fair Trade felt products are plastic free, biodegradable and made with natural dyes. Not only do they contribute to our local economy and community as a small, independent business, but they support and provide secure employment for over 250 people in Napal, whilst showcasing their incredible techniques and skills.


It’s clear to see that Cheltenham has made big moves over the last few years to encourage residents and visitors to shop consciously and support local businesses. With all these stores at your fingertips, shopping with the planet in mind couldn’t be simpler.