A mix of retailers, sole traders and social enterprises have signed up for the Green Street Pioneers Scheme, which offers grants, support and advice on how businesses can proactively champion sustainability in house and with customers, lessening their impact on the planet.
A diverse selection of 25 businesses, ranging from butchers, bakers and even guitar makers, are amongst the first Newcastle Green Street Pioneers to sign up. Building on the learnings of a successful Bradford initiative, the scheme celebrates businesses' sustainability efforts, encouraging them to proudly display the “Newcastle Pioneers” branding and sign up to a manifesto which shows their commitment to making their business more sustainable.
Businesses which have already signed up for the scheme include sustainable butchers and craft beer shop Block and Bottle, the Estate Tea Co, veggie deli, A Little Piece of Sky, Big River Bakery and musical instrument store, Curvy Sounds.
Each business has a “green opportunity” review carried out by a Green Street sustainability expert to develop individual action plans. The business will also display eye-catching stickers in their windows so customers can discover which businesses are committed to being more environmentally-friendly and can offer them greener solutions as consumers.
The Scheme also offers each Pioneer a grant to help them make the leap into a greener future, along with personalised guidance, workshops and marketing support. The benefits can include anything from how to reduce energy consumption and waste, reusing and recycling products, minimising packaging, stocking greener, alternative products and ultimately saving businesses money.
The Green Street initiative is part of the wider Newcastle East – Inclusive, Healthy, Vibrant High Streets transformation project, aiming to revitalise five high streets in the east of the city. The high streets of focus include Chillingham Road, Heaton Park Road, Heaton Road, Shields Road and the western end of Welbeck Road. It is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the North of Tyne Combined Authority as the lead authority.
In addition to their own innovative takes on how to become greener, each Newcastle Pioneer has agreed to:
Reduce energy consumption, changing behaviours and monitoring energy usage.
Take steps to prevent , recycle and reuse waste.
Reduce the amount of packaging used.
Eliminate single use plastics where possible.
Explore locally sourced, sustainable products and services for their customers
Share learnings with suppliers to create a greener supply chain
Inspire their customers and team to make their own sustainable changes.
Try out circular schemes like “Borrow” where possible.
Green Street’s founder Victoria Robertshaw, who led the launch of Pioneers in Newcastle, explained: “Our Newcastle Pioneers are an interesting mix of sole traders, social enterprises and independent companies that are at different stages of their journey to become more sustainable, but many are already leading by example with some really exciting and quirky green schemes.
“They are all eager to take that next step to an even greener future by providing their customers with more environmentally-friendly ways to shop, dine and be part of the solution, not the cause of further climate change.
She added: “By embracing Green Street’s philosophy and expertise we are already seeing the benefits across all the Pioneers. As more businesses join Green Street Pioneers, shoppers will learn to recognise the badge and know they are supporting a business which is taking positive steps to reducing their carbon footprint.”
Cllr Alex Hay, cabinet member for a Thriving City at Newcastle City Council said: “There has been some really exciting changes in the east end as part of our high street project, as we’ve welcomed new businesses, taken over empty properties, held events for the community and listened to local residents on what they want to see in their area.
“It’s great to see so many innovative businesses who are leading the way in sustainability, right in the heart of their communities, helping us create a cleaner and greener Newcastle which we all benefit from.
“This scheme is just another great example of how we are revitalising these local high streets, boosting footfall and bringing back pride to the local area.”
Newcastle Pioneer Katie Cullen, from Block & Bottle, said: ”Here at Block & Bottle, we've always tried to be greener, for example, always wrapping products in paper but we’re excited to be a part of the Green Street Pioneers programme to take us to the next level in reaching our sustainability goals.”
Andy Haddon, from the Big River Bakery, added: “Big River Bakery has been involved in climate change projects for over 20 years now and as a business we really want to do more. Green Street is a great organisation that has been the catalyst in connecting us with other local businesses with similar aims and it's great to be able to come together to achieve more and make a difference as a collective.
“We're really excited to be part of the Green Street Pioneers programme. The Report has highlighted all the different ways we can be more sustainable as a business and we've now got a great action plan to work with.”
