In the past few years, we have become more aware of the ways in which the transition to a greener economy could mitigate the threats posed by climate change. Shopping locally, supporting sustainable businesses and changing how we behave as consumers are all ways in which we can have a positive impact.
Hackney is a hub of sustainable businesses that are paving the way for a green economy and working to build a more sustainable future. Here just a few of the businesses in the borough that are leading the way.
Urban Upholstery (UU)
UU design and upholster unique pieces by recycling pre-loved furniture. They make stylish, elegant chairs, armchairs and sofas by repurposing items that would otherwise have gone to waste, and restore others through their workshops. According to their website, they “are actively involved to raise awareness about the environmental impact of mass consumerism and throw away culture, promoting the reuse of materials, sustainability and [the] circular economy”.
Green Workforce
Lately, we have all been thinking more about our invisible carbon footprint. Everything from the services we use to the food we buy has an impact on the environment. Often we are not aware of it. When you need a carpenter, plumber or painter, how do they get to your home? If you call one of the skilled handymen at Green Workforce, they will cycle to you instead of driving. This way, you can get the service that you need without creating unnecessary pollution.
Library of Things
From needing a drill to hang that painting you bought on Etsy, to trying your hand at making pasta, we’ve all been in that situation where we need something that we cannot justify buying. The Library of Things is opening a new site in Hackney Wick this spring, which will enable residents to borrow items that they would usually have had to buy. By encouraging borrowing instead of buying, the Library of Things is supporting a more sustainable way of acquiring the things we need.
The Premises Studios
Nina Simone, Patti Smith, Florence and The Machine and Rihanna are among the many impressive clients of The Premises Studios. Recording Studio A at The Premises Studios is Europe’s first solar powered professional recording studio in Europe, built largely using recycled materials and comprising energy efficient equipment.
Seawater Greenhouse
Seawater Greenhouse make agriculture possible in hot and dry coastal regions through the greenhouse solutions that they design. They work with partners and clients across the world from Somaliland to Australia. Their greenhouses are custom-designed to suit the climate and economic circumstances of each region that they work in.
Get Loose
We know that single-use plastics are harmful to the environment, and a lot of people have tried to cut back on the amount of waste that they produce in their day-to-day lives in order to reduce their carbon footprint. Located at Hackney City Farm, Get Loose offers customers the opportunity to shop organic, plastic-free food by bringing their own reusable containers, to fill up on everything from grains and pulses to laundry liquids. They also have a 10 percent discount for NHS staff.
