Health store puts values first
As a small, family-owned business, Wholefoods Market and Health Store knows how difficult it can be to compete against big international companies.
That’s why they’re so passionate about stocking products that are made locally, by local people, because not only does it give them more control over quality, it also encourages an ethical shopping choices.
Wholefoods Market and Health Store manager Lisa Rigby says the Riccarton Rd business regularly expands its range by adding suppliers who share their values of sustainability.
‘‘We’re really passionate about small businesses that pay the living wage and give back to their communities; businesses that care about the environment and are doing all they can to reduce plastics, pollution, transport emissions and chemicals; and those companies that care about the health of the public and who are producing products that contain no chemicals, no preservatives and no pesticides.
‘‘When you use these products you really do notice a difference,’’ she says.
‘‘They are effective, feel good, taste good and leave you with a clear conscience knowing that you are giving back to the community and the environment.’’
Wholefoods Market and Health Store opened in 2016 as a way to bring convenience and greater variety to people wanting a healthier way of life.
The store decorated its large space with 300 recycled timber pallets and filled its shelves with vegan-friendly foods and those for allergy sufferers, as well as organic meats and milk, bulk cleaning supplies, toiletries, beauty products, vitamins and bespoke gift ideas.
Among the recent additions are toothpastes from Nature Body, which supplies the toothpastes in a glass jar with a metal lid as part of efforts to make the company fully plastic-free. The family business is based in Kerikeri and grows their own herbs for their products.
‘‘For them, like us, it’s about encouraging others to live naturally and care for the environment,’’ Lisa says.
Under Balm is another family business now represented at Wholefoods Market and Health Store. They offer a range of highly effective natural deodorants containing no chemicals or aluminium and which use only organic ingredients that are plant-based and vegan friendly.
All their deodorants come in recyclable glass jars.
Lisa says choosing durable products is another way to reduce waste, and with school returning it’s an ideal time to consider stainless steel lunchboxes to reduce the home’s plastic footprint.
Steel lunchboxes for school or work are currently available at Wholefoods Market and Health store in six different styles.
Layered so you can separate your food, they follow the successful tradition of the tiffin lunchboxes used by millions of people around the world to carry a variety of foods securely, hygienically and without unnecessary packaging.
The lunchboxes are supplied by Meals in Steel, another family-owned New Zealand business, who support fair trade practices when sourcing the products from overseas. The company runs solar panels that allow it to operate completely off the grid during sunshine hours, and uses electric cars with zero emissions.
Lisa says Wholefoods Market and Health Store is committed to supporting companies like these ‘‘which are doing so much to change old-school practices so we can all have a healthier lifestyle and environment’’.
‘‘We are actively and continually in discussions with our farmers and suppliers about reducing packaging and how we can change practices to make a difference.’’
We are actively and continually in discussions with our farmers and suppliers about reducing packaging and how we can change practices to make a difference.
Lisa Rigby Wholefoods Market and Health Store manager