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Living Sustainably In Folkestone & Hythe
Many of us are looking at ways to live more sustainably, and where better than Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh to uncover food and drink, shops and experiences that support a more ethically aware lifestyle. Here’s our round-up of what you’ll find available here:
SHOP WITH YOUR POT
Reduce unnecessary plastic in your regular food shop by buying unpackaged produce. A simple tip is to take pots, glass jars and containers with you when you shop. U-Weigh in Hythe is a loose food retailer with over 500 items to choose from including nuts and snacks, beans pulses and grains, and dried fruits.
If you prefer to get your food straight to your door, Re-Stock Shop & Café is Folkestone’s first refill, low waste shop that also offers delivery! Selling eco-friendly and ethically sourced produce, you can expect a wide selection of local, free-range produce in compostable, recyclable paper bags, bottles or jars – they even supply re-useable labels for your pots and containers at home.
Here are five tips to help make your shopping trips less wasteful:
- Purchase fresh, unpackaged baked goods from local businesses – just like the cakes, pastries and vegan ‘sausage’ rolls at Planet Earth Kitchen
- Choose seasonal produce where possible
- Buy in bulk to reduce shopping trips
- Use re-usable shopping bags
- Take your re-usable coffee cups to local coffee shops, like Orchard Lane Coffee House, – these coffee shops also have great vegan options on the menu
EAT LOCAL, EAT WELL
Vegetarians and vegans have plenty of great food options to choose from in the district. Some of our favourites include:
- The Mortar & Pestle Vegan Tearoom in Dymchurch – we love the vegan ploughman’s
- Dr Legumes in Folkestone – known for their delicious brunch menu
- Root Café in Hythe – brand new to the Hythe scene, you’ll find everything from artisan bread to tempting kombucha
Kent Food Hubs is a collaboration of local producers all selling ethical, affordable food and drink. Its shop in Folkestone town centre features products from The Kent Seaweed Company, Bear & Woodpecker and Eco Green Shop! Shop in person or order online.
What’s more, every month Kent Food Hubs hosts the ever-popular Veganism market where you can meet the traders, sample new produce and shop locally.
GREENER DAYS OUT
Animal lovers, this is for you! A visit to Port Lympne Safari Park and Wild Animal Reserve is a great place for a day out and you can learn about the reserve’s many efforts to protect and care for endangered species.
If you want to be a little closer to the animals, Alpaca Annie is the UK’s no.1 alpaca trekking experience based out of Haguelands Farm in Romney Marsh.
Surrounded by fields and scenic countryside views, it’s an idyllic experience. The company is committed to reducing plastic use, and selling eco-friendly luxury products made from the alpaca’s natural shedding.
DO YOUR BIT
The Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership is a great way for those of all ages to get stuck in and volunteer within the rural community. Meet other likeminded people, discover and explore new areas of Romney Marsh, learn about the wildlife we co-exist with – all whilst knowing that you’ve been a part of giving back to the local community. The partnership also supplies you with all the tools, training and safety equipment that you need!
And whilst you can visit Port Lympne Reserve with friends and family, there is also a wide range of volunteering opportunities to see first-hand the work that they do.
From animal keeper internships, animal volunteers, fundraising, corporate volunteering, general maintenance and working alongside the gardening estates team – just take a look on the website of the Aspinall Foundation.
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE
The future is looking green with Folkestone & Hythe District Council declaring a climate emergency in 2019 and committing £4.75m to fund initiatives which will help the council hit its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Sustainability is also driving the design of several high profile developments across the district including Otterpool Park, Princes Parade and the newly acquired Ship Street site in Folkestone.
If you’re a local business or organisation in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh who’d like to share your sustainable story, please get in touch with economy@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
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