What you can do

Shopping in Mole Valley

Graphic Depicting clothes on a clothes rail.

Making a Difference: Mindful Choice for Every Purchase

Your spending shapes the world

Support sustainability, local communities, and the environment by choosing ethical brands, second-hand items, and small businesses.

Before you buy, ask yourself:

  • Do I need it?
  • Can I buy second-hand instead of new?
  • If I buy new, can I choose a more responsible option?

The Circular Economy: A Better Way to Shop

The current ‘take-make-waste’ system uses up resources faster than they can be replaced. A circular economy changes this by keeping materials in use longer.

  • Reuse
  • Repair and Refurbish
  • Recycle
  • Compost

The circular economy transforms how we think about consumption, helping to conserve resources and give nature the time it needs to recover.

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Arrow facing downwards
Circular economy diagram

The circular economy model
Source: European Parliament

Weekly Swaps That Make a Difference

Bag of vegetables on kitchen counter
Person with tote bag

Reusable Bags

  • Why: Plastic bags harm wildlife and pollute oceans.
  • How: Keep reusable bags in handy spots like your car or handbag.
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Loose Produce Over Pre-Packaged

  • Why: Avoids unnecessary plastic packaging.
  • How: Shop markets or choose unpackaged items in shops.
Person shopping in fruit and vegetable aisle
Rows of food to refill jars
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Someone holding a bowl of salad
Tofu salad

Plant-Based Proteins

  • Why: Reducing meat cuts your carbon footprint.
  • How: Start with one plant-based meal a week.
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Beeswax Wraps

  • Why: Reusable and biodegradable, unlike clingfilm.
  • How: Wrap food or cover dishes with beeswax wraps.
A sandwich in a beeswax cover
A sandwich in a beeswax cover
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Person holding freshly dug vegetables
Someone chopping vegetables

Seasonal and Local Produce

  • Why: Fresher, tastier, and eco-friendly.
  • How: Shop local markets or sign up for a produce box.
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Refillable Products

  • Why: Cuts single-use plastics and saves money.
  • How: Visit refill shops like Green Wise Shop in Ashtead and Fetcham
Someone filling up soap from a larger container
Young lady fills up jar with oats
Arrow facing downwards
Coffee filter
Person pouring water in coffee filter

Reusable Coffee Filters

  • Why: Reduces coffee pod waste.
  • How: Use a french press or machines with reusable filters.

Weekly Swaps That Make a Difference

Reusable Bags

  • Why: Plastic bags harm wildlife and pollute oceans.
  • How: Keep reusable bags in handy spots like your car or handbag.
Person with tote bag
Bag of vegetables on kitchen counter
Arrow facing downwards

Loose Produce Over Pre-Packaged

  • Why: Avoids unnecessary plastic packaging.
  • How: Shop markets or choose unpackaged items in shops.
Person shopping in fruit and vegetable aisle
Rows of food to refill jars
Arrow facing downwards

Plant-Based Proteins

  • Why: Reducing meat cuts your carbon footprint.
  • How: Start with one plant-based meal a week.
Tofu salad
Someone holding a bowl of salad
Arrow facing downwards

Beeswax Wraps

  • Why: Reusable and biodegradable, unlike clingfilm.
  • How: Wrap food or cover dishes with beeswax wraps.
A sandwich in a beeswax cover
A sandwich in a beeswax cover
Arrow facing downwards

Seasonal and Local Produce

  • Why: Fresher, tastier, and eco-friendly.
  • How: Shop local markets or sign up for a produce box.
Someone chopping vegetables
Person holding freshly dug vegetables
Arrow facing downwards

Refillable Products

  • Why: Cuts single-use plastics and saves money.
  • How: Visit refill shops like Green Wise Shop in Ashtead and Fetcham
Someone filling up soap from a larger container
Young lady fills up jar with oats
Arrow facing downwards

Reusable Coffee Filters

  • Why: Reduces coffee pod waste.
  • How: Use a french press or machines with reusable filters.
Person pouring water in coffee filter
Coffee filter

Sustainable Community Groups

Circular Dorking
Connecting local businesses committed to sustainability.

Start your Own Community Group

Inspired by Circular Dorking? Start a sustainability-focused group in your area and make a difference. Contact us for guidance and support.

Local Sustainable Markets and Events

Graphic depicting a shopping basket filled with vegetables coming out through a laptop screen.

Food & Drink

Graphic depicting recycling bin with boxes of bottles in front

Waste & Recycling

Graphic depicting various different times of sustainable transport.

Travel & Transport

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Nature and Biodiversity

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Energy

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Carbon Calculator

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