Businesses within Chatham-Kent are taking a pro-active approach when it comes to being environmentally friendly.
Denise Helmer-Johnston and her husband Evan Johnston are getting ready to open a store in Blenheim that offers locally-sourced products and refill stations. Mindful Market and Eco Hub is expected to officially open in August, with a grand opening expected shortly after.
"In the market, we're focussing on local and regional producers and suppliers in order to connect people more specifically with their food," said Helmer-Johnston. "[The Eco Hub] is our effort to move people towards being more contentious of their waste. We'll have a refill station there so that people can bring in their own containers."
In addition to food products being locally sourced, the store will also offer organic and vegan options.
Some products available at the store. (Photo courtesy of Mindful Market and Eco Hub/ via Facebook).
Helmer-Johnston said the inspiration in starting a store such as this started with trying to reduce waste at home. She said the store will help other people in the area use less packaging in an easier way.
"We know that one-use plastic is on its way out here in Canada but I think more than that... we just have to try to do better," she said. "If you don't think that we need to do better, I encourage you to look into the eyes of your children or grandchildren because this is really who were are doing this for. We have to give them the opportunity to enjoy this world in the same way that we did."
Helmer-Johnston stresses that making the effort to reduce waste is a big step in the right direction and doesn't necessarily mean a zero-waste lifestyle needs to be adopted immediately. She also mentioned that they will be updating their social media accounts with educational videos and tips for people to understand what reducing waste means.
While the couple work on creating this type of store in Blenheim, other existing businesses are making changes to reduce their environmental footprint.
Rose Linsemen runs JM Fry Furniture Design, which is located on King Street West in downtown Chatham. The business recently expanded with RAD Studio Builds to offer environmentally friendly products such as bamboo cutlery and toothbrushes, produce bags, and steel straws.
"I went to the Zero Waste Chatham-Kent meeting... and they were really interested in having somebody who would be able to supply different products and things that were more eco-friendly," said Linseman. "I've just been hearing suggestions from different people on what they would like [to see] and what I was looking for as well, to have more products that are zero-waste or that are biodegradable."
Like Helmer-Johnston, Linseman doesn't see this zero-waste concept as a fad but rather something that is going to stick around long-term.
"I think more recently... everyone is seeing the amount of plastic and [results] of climate change and a lot of people are asking 'what can I do that's positive?'" said Linseman.
Another Chatham business, Betty Brite, also recently expanded their operations. Chatham-Kent's Economic Development Services congratulated the business for installing new equipment, specifically designed to reduce their environmental carbon footprint.