It’s green for go at eco shop
University store re-opens its doors
A environmental store and hub at Stirling University, which is open to students and the public alike, has reopened.
The Green and Blue Space, the uni’s Students’ Union Sustainability Hub, closed down at its original unit in the campus’ Atrium during the pandemic.
However, reopening the facility has been a major redevelopment project for the Students’ Union.
Spokesperson Lauren Kirk said: “Our Sustainability Hub is the home of all things environmental on campus and now has a new spot just off the Atrium on the way to the Students’ Union building.”
Open Monday to Friday, from 10am-4pm (during semester) for students, staff and the public, the space has been fitted with reclaimed wooden units made from railway sleepers and pallets from Glasgow Wood Recycling and upcycled chairs from Transition Stirling.
Lauren added: “As the UK’S first Carbon Neutral Students’ Union, it was important to us to refit the space as sustainably as possible.
“We’ve brought packaging-free shopping to campus with a range of food and homeware products.
“Our gravity feeders contain sustainably sourced organic pasta, nuts, grains, banana chips, muesli and cereals. We have a range of ‘measure what you need’ spices, grains and dried fruits, as well as popcorn, chickpeas and even vegan pick n mix. We source all these items through Suma, a wholefood sustainable collective.
“Grab a jar or bottle and refill it again and again with home cleaning products such as hand wash, dish soap, laundry detergent (from Ecoleaf ) as well as bodycare products from Alter Native and Faith in Nature
“We offer a range of plastic free lifestyle items including soaps, shampoos, bodywashes, toothbrushes etc to help staff and students minimise their waste.”
The hub also sells a range of vegan skin and bodycare from Flawless including biodegradable sheet masks and oat cleansers.
However, donations of clothing, homeware and accessories are also gathered in.
“We collect donations of clothing, homeware and accessories from students,” said Laurne, “especially around the times of the year when large numbers leave campus and have a clearout.
“These are sorted and resold in the space. We don’t organise the clothes by gender but have a range of styles and sizes, so people can have a browse and feel free to drop in any donations of their own during opening hours.
“Students can also pick up free Grace and Green period products to try a more sustainable option, including bamboo liners and menstrual cups.”
The space is looked after by a team of part-time student staff and a sustainability coordinator and there other other plans for the future.
“We’ve made a dedicated space at the back of the hub,” said Lauren, “which will be used throughout the year for workshops, meetings and clubs activity. We want this to be not only the home of sustainability projects on campus, but a vibrant space that students can access and make good use of. Local veg bags, eggs and refrigerated items are all on the plan as we continue to grow the space.
“Our incredible window illustration was done by local artist and signwriter Porter and Bramble and our signage was hand drawn by Ross Hastie Signs, also local to the Stirling area. We’re working with them again to bring the walls inside the space to life with further illustrations and colour.
“We always welcome feedback and suggestions for what people would like to see in the space, so please drop an email or leave a comment card in the shop.”