Sustainable shopping isn’t just about what we buy—it’s about how, where, and why we buy it. The Shopping category of the Mole Valley Sustainability Awards celebrates the trailblazing businesses and community hubs that are redefining consumption. Whether it’s choosing second-hand, supporting ethical brands, or creating spaces that bring people together, these changemakers are proving that shopping can be a force for good.
Here are just a few of the inspiring organisations making a difference in Mole Valley:
🍰 Putty Cakes In the heart of Dorking, Anita and Gavin have built more than a bakery—they’ve created a hub of kindness and community. From “Hanging Coffees” and lunches that allow customers to pay forward a treat for someone in need, to hosting local groups like U3A and WI, and even running a free weekly ‘Bill Clinic’ to help residents manage household costs, Putty Cakes is a shining example of how small businesses can deliver big social value.
🛒 Swan Centre The Swan Centre in Leatherhead continues to lead the way on environmental initiatives. In 2024, it earned a Silver Corporate Social Responsibility Award, adding to its collection of Green Apple accolades. Partnering with organisations like City to Sea and the Refill Scheme, the centre actively encourages residents to reduce plastic waste at the source—proving that even everyday shopping trips can support a cleaner, greener future.
🍇 Denbies Wine Estate Nestled in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Denbies Wine Estate is more than a working farm and tourist destination—it’s a steward of the land. Home to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known for its rare acid grasses, Denbies balances agricultural operations with environmental care, showing that sustainability and business can thrive side by side.
🏡 The Shop at Strood Green Run by the community, for the community, The Shop at Strood Green is a true village treasure. More than just a shop, it’s a place where neighbours gather, stories are shared, and local events bring people together. Powered by volunteers and a spirit of togetherness, it’s a model of how shopping can strengthen social bonds while supporting local needs.
👙 Victoria’s Little Bra Shop Located on West Street, Victoria’s Little Bra Shop collects and recycles unloved bras, which are sent to a textile company in Africa. This simple initiative gives garments a second life while supporting global reuse efforts and reducing textile waste.
🧸 Dorking Beatitudes Dorking Beatitudes specialises in pre-loved children’s toys and clothing, helping prevent quality items from going to landfill. Their shop offers affordable, sustainable choices for families while promoting circular consumption and community care.
💇♀️ UH Salon UH Salon is a certified Eco Salon and member of the Green Salon Collective. They use organic hair colour, eco-friendly products, and stock Agricosmetics and B-Corp brands. With a refill system and specialist recycling for hair and foil, they’re leading the way in sustainable beauty.
🌿 ALDAG – Re-Use-It Charity Shop & Cups & Co Part of the ALDAG charity, these shops promote inclusion for people with learning difficulties through workplace training. They sell locally grown produce and pre-loved items, reducing landfill and CO₂ emissions. Their takeaway cups are compostable, and they support the Chatty Café initiative to build community connections.
🚚 Food Float Food Float offers fresh, seasonal produce from over 35 local growers, with an average distance of just 18 miles from field to stall. This not-for-profit uses a 100% electric van, avoids ultra-processed foods, and returns packaging for reuse. Surplus funds support the Dorking FoodBank and other charities.
👗 Anni and Arthur’s Yard This boutique celebrates pre-loved fashion, offering beautiful second-hand clothing and accessories—including elegant prom dresses. Their approach promotes reuse, reduces waste, and proves that sustainable shopping can be stylish.
♻️ Martha Russell Martha Russell designs timeless women’s clothing using sustainable fabrics. Their Recycle & Re-sell initiative encourages customers to trade in pre-loved items for credit toward new purchases. With loyalty rewards and a circular fashion model, they’re redefining eco-conscious retail in Dorking.
🥩 Dorking Butchery Dorking Butchery sources from local farms to reduce carbon footprint and uses paper packaging to cut plastic waste. Their products are sustainably sourced, and they proudly sell Dorking honey while supporting local charities—making ethical choices part of everyday shopping.
Reserve your tickets for the Mole Valley Sustainability Awards Event though the ticket tailor website HERE.
