A short guide to shopping with Earthian during the new lockdown.
I wanted to share a blog post about the lockdown to make sure that there is an easily accessible guide to some of the changes here at Earthian Zero Waste Shop. Mostly, everything will be the same. The shop is classed as essential as I stock food staples, cleaning, dental etc. I'm very grateful that I can stay open as to close, even temporarily would leave us in an incredibly vulnerable position. I am deeply concerned for everyone in the retail and hospitality sectors that are now facing another month of uncertainty, for them and their staff. I send them my thoughts and if there is anything I can do, please do get in touch.
Opening times:
The shop opening times will mostly be as normal during the November Lockdown. However, I am pleased that I’ll be able to provide a Tuesday delivery service starting on Tuesday 10 November, to anyone who is shielding or isolating within the SO22 and SO23 postcodes. This means I will need to be closed to allow for packing and dropping orders on that day.
New opening days and times will be as follows –
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Deliveries only, no walk-in services.
Wednesday – Open 10:00am to 5:00pm
Thursday – Open 10:00am to 5:00pm
Friday – Open 10:00am to 3:00pm, collection only from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday – Open 9:00am to 5:30pm
Sunday – Open 10:00am to 4:00pm
Collections can be arranged for any day that the shop is open as normal (Wednesday to Sunday) but I will be closed to walk-in services on Friday early in the afternoon so that I can do a dedicated collection period from 3:00 until 5:00pm for anyone that would prefer to collect outside of normal shopping to ensure minimum contact. There are more details below on how to order for delivery or collection.
How to shop in person during the lockdown:
Entry to the shop will be limited to 1 group at a time. The rope barrier will be used to signify that I either have a customer in the shop already, or I am sanitising the shop ready for the next. If you see the barrier is across, I am still open so please say hello to let me know you’re there and waiting but do not enter the shop.
You can still bring your own containers but to limit contact between containers and areas of the shop, please place all your containers on the counter. Please do not hand them to me directly or leave any of them on other surfaces.
Self-service will be stopped from Tuesday 3 November and I will serve each customer myself.
Please note that it is very difficult to measure exact amounts from the dispensers, I am getting better at knowing what certain weights feel like but your understanding if we are slightly over or under is appreciated.
I will always weigh the contents as we fill to make sure you’re happy with the amount that is being dispensed.
Please be aware that food cannot be put back in the containers after dispensing, this is not a Covid-19 measure, this is an existing food hygiene rule that must be followed.
No entry for browsing please. There is a price list on the website and in the Earthian Google Drive that is in the process of being updated with non-food items as well as food and liquids so you can see what we usually have before you visit –
Ordering for delivery or collection:
All orders should be made via email to: hello@earthianzerowasteshop.co.uk
To order delivery service for Tuesday afternoon, please send me your order before 10:00am on the day of delivery. There is a £10 minimum spend and I to begin with I will only be able to cover postcodes SO22 and SO23.
Collections can be arranged during opening hours Wednesday to Sunday, or during the dedicated Friday afternoon collection hours. Please order before 12:00midday the day before to allow time for packing.
When making an order please include the following details:
Your Name
Address and contact telephone number
Whether you are ordering for a delivery or for collection
A list of the products you need with an approximate amount beside each item *
* As it is very difficult to weigh out exact amounts with the dispensers, please allow an error margin not exceeding 50g above or below what you’ve asked for. Your understanding is much appreciated. The final weight of the dispensed product will be used for the payment invoice.
Orders will be fulfilled chronologically. If I am out of stock of any item on your list I will promptly let you know and offer an alternative or add you to a waiting list for new stock.
Once your order is packed up for delivery you will be sent a payment link via email. This payment must be made within 3 days of your order being fulfilled. Orders for collections can be paid for in person when you pick up your products.
Terracycle Drop-Off Point:
During the November Lockdown I have made the decision to suspend Terracycle Collection.
I’m sorry for any inconvenience, all your milk bottle tops and bread bags that have already been dropped since the shop opening are not effected, they will still be sent for recycling but I can't accept any during lockdown. As soon as possible, I will open the Terracycle Collection again.
If you have any questions at all, please get in touch with me. Thank you all for your continued support, it means the world at the moment.
Please be kind to one another and to yourselves. Stay safe and take care,
Katie