Support a Zero-Waste Store in Fairhaven
I recently conducted a poll on social media asking residents of Fairhaven if we had a zero-waste store, would they shop there. Within hours 90 residents responded and 91% said they would or would consider. Wow! What does that tell you? We are a community that cares and are willing to step up and reduce waste willingly.
There were some questions on what a zero-waste/refill store is, which were answered. It’s not about everyone creating an upheaval in their lifestyles, nor is it about forcing change. When residents decide they are willing to make small changes, i.e. swap a plastic toothbrush for a biodegradable one, it adds up to big changes. I don’t doubt that many families are doing their best already, I know many of them personally, but bringing more awareness and opportunities is a step in the right direction.
What prompted me to conduct a survey was reading disputes on trash issues on social media. Issues related to costs, accumulation, blame and reasoning are brought up frequently. I also recently read that the town was encouraging more small businesses. There are big risks in starting a small business and business owners need to be supported.
Here are some positive effects of having a zero-waste store in our town: buying from local first, knowing what your customers want so less is discarded, major reduction on trash, reduction on transporting goods (zero-waste vendors ship with zero-waste packaging), reduction on customer travel to shop, reduction on delivery trucks in neighborhoods, consumer savings on products, income for the town, healthier living and more. Zero-waste stores are growing trends right now. Would someone in our town be interested in opening a new business and will the residents support it?
With appreciation and respect to all.
Eileen Brennan, Fairhaven
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