Iechyd Da @CF14: Eco-Friendly Shopping

Reducing the amount of single use plastic we use is a hot topic at the moment. TV programmes such as the BBC’s War on the Plastic has done wonders in raising awareness of the problem that single use plastics cause. It also highlighted how we as a nation are being duped by big brands and supermarkets about what can actually be recycled, and if in fact, the products that can be recycled are even being recycled at all.

In February of this year I started my zero waste journey. I was inspired by the opening of a local zero waste shop called Ripple Living. I started to look into what zero waste meant and then how I could make small changes to reduce the impact my family has on the environment.

I soon discovered that leading a 100% zero waste life is pretty hard, but if everyone made some simple small changes to the way they live their lives, the impact of that would be huge. 

Some of the first few changes I made was to stop buying wet wipes and kitchen roll. Did you know that wet wipes made up more than 90% of the material causing sewer blockages that Water UK investigated in 2017. In addition to this wet wipes are actually ending up in our oceans along with other types of plastic pollution which causes long-term problems for sea life and the marine environment. Even wet wipes that claim to be environmentally friendly or biodegradable are usually packaged in plastic. I thought we’d really miss wet wipes and kitchen roll, but we really haven’t.

Another change we’ve made is to swap shampoo and conditioner that comes in plastic bottles in favour of shampoo and conditioner bars. There are lots of different options available. I started out using some from Lush, but have since switched to a local producer called Folk Soap.

Women can swap to reusable sanitary pads or a moon up. I swapped to reusable sanitary pads and they’re a game changer! I haven’t looked back and I highly recommend them. 

As you can see there are lots of changes that are small and simple. They won’t have a big impact on your life, but the environmental impact is such a positive one, especially if we can get more and more people on board.

The awareness of the impact of single use plastics on our environment is growing and with that there’s been a definite demand for more of these types of shops on our high streets.

I recently met with a lady called Alwen who has opened up a refill shop in Whitchurch, Cardiff called Iechyd Da @CF14. 

Iehcyda Da @CF14 offers an eco-friendly shopping experience. Their aim is to reduce waste, eliminate single use plastic and to stock good healthy products that are ethically and sustainably sourced at competitive prices, creating a healthier you and a healthier planet!

Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers and jars to fill up, as well as their own reusable shopping bags. There are also reusable bags and jars available to buy in store. 

Customers simply weigh their empty containers and jars, then fill them up with whatever takes their fancy, weigh them again and then you just pay for the product, not the packaging as well.

Iechyd_da @CF14 offers customers the opportunity to stock up on:

• Herbs and spices
• Oils and vinegars
• Cereal
• Pasta
• Flour
• Nuts
• Grains
• Rice
• Beans
• Oats

I also love the pick and mix where you can get banana chips, mixed fruits, yoghurt covered raisins, chocolate Brazil nuts, seeds and more!

In addition to this, Iechyd da @CF14 also sells:

• Eco-friendly toilet roll
• Natural deodorant and soaps
• Bamboo toothbrushes
• Reusable wipes
• Shampoo and conditioner bars – refillable options coming soon
• Selection of tins and bottled foods
• Sandwich bags and beeswax wraps
• Reusable straws
• Moon cups
• Reusable cups and bottles
• Plus much more!

On my recent visit I purchased a Folk Soap shampoo bar, Folk Soap conditioner bar, face cloth and natural deodorant.

I’m planning on visiting again to fill up my glass jars with pasta and rice, plus some banana chips which are a favourite of mine! It’s so much better being able to refill a glass jar than buying these products wrapped in plastic from the supermarket. It also works cheaper too as you’re not paying for the packaging. 

Iechyda da @CF14 is a welcome addition to Whitchurch village. It’s a much needed shop that I just know is going to go from strength to strength. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit. 

This post is in no way sponsored. I chose to visit Iechyd da @CF14 and write about it. I was under no obligation to write this post. All views and opinions are 100% my own.