Your sustainable and independent guide to Christmas shopping in London.
Waste and overconsumption is rife during the festive period, with Brits throwing away £26m of waste every year1. Christmas shopping presents an invaluable opportunity to support independent businesses and is one of the ways that we can work towards a more socially just and environmentally sustainable future.
Consequently, many of us however are making changes to have a more conscious Christmas this year. We recently surveyed over 2,000 people, and two thirds (67%) of respondents said they are considering shopping sustainably this Christmas and over half (59%) think supporting independents is high on the agenda when buying gifts. If you’re planning on having a more conscious Christmas but are unsure where to go–fear not- here is our carefully curated sustainable shopping map of London to help you along.
At ICON Printing, we believe that sustainability requires an integrated approach that takes into consideration environmental concerns along with economic development. Therefore, our sustainable shopping map features 50 destinations including independent retailers, businesses with strong environmentally friendly credentials and stores working in a socially responsible manner. Whoever you are shopping for, you can be sure to find the perfect gift from one of these stores.
Fashion
By avoiding fast fashion and investing in select, quality brands, we can minimize our effect on both people and the planet. Browse some of the world’s best independent and sustainable sourced brands at the below boutiques to find a gift for the stylish individuals in your life.
Beauty
What we choose to put on our skin is as important as where we buy the products from. Treat your loved ones to some skincare from one of the below retailers who prioritise working responsibly with suppliers.
Food
What is Christmas without great food and drinks? There is no better time of year to support your local independent delis and grocers who stock all the delicious British produce and artisan goodies.
Homeware
From candles to plants, books to antiques, you’ll be spoilt for choice with all the unique gems and one off pieces available at these homeware stores.
Kids
Whilst Christmas is a magical time of year for all, it is the kids that will be most excited about the prospect of Santa arriving. Fill their stockings with sustainably sourced kids clothes, books and toys from these independent retailers.
Markets
You’ll be able to find gifts for even the hardest to buy for recipients at one of London’s many markets. The following are some of the best, stocking an array of handmade, British sourced items.
Pets
Even pooches deserve to be spoiled at Christmas; however rather than shopping at larger retailers, it is possible to source items from independent businesses who are more conscious about where the ingredients come from.
ICON Printing offers fast-turnaround printing on a range of garments- they count numerous independent businesses amongst their customers. Get a quote in 2 minutes online.
Survey methodology
The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 2,024 respondents aged 16+ in the UK between 02.11.2021 – 05.11.2021. The survey was conducted from a nationally representative sample of UK adults. Quotas were applied to nationally representative proportions for age, gender and region. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
Sources
1https://www.mattressonline.co.uk/blog/family/christmas-waste-unwrapped/