The last 18 months have made us all take stock of the way we live our lives and many of us are certainly reconsidering not only where and how we spend our cash, but also the volume of things we buy to simply just discard a short time later.
This comes amidst an ever increasing awareness of the effect of the throwaway culture that has become prevalent in society – things like disposable face masks, fast fashion, takeaway coffee cups and their negative environmental impact.
Govanhill, in Glasgow’s Southside, would not be the first place that springs to mind in the battle to reduce our climate impact through ethical consumerism. However, local social enterprise projects are doing big things in this small patch of the city.
Social enterprises are businesses that put the interests of people and the planet ahead of shareholders. They still work to make profits, but their primary purpose is addressing a social or environmental challenge.
Locavore on Victoria Road in Govanhill say: “We have a lot more than food on our plates,” as they aim to build a more ethical local food system, taking into account issues like deforestation, climate change and animal welfare.
One way they have been implementing this is through their shop and cafe, housed in an old pub, where pints of heavy have given way to pints of milk – with your own refillable bottle, of course.
The social enterprise company have recently secured £850,000 in funding to support plans to expand their operation into a network of 10 carbon negative shops, delivering 22,500 veg boxes straight to their customer’s doors.
Social Investment Scotland, who are providing the £850k cash injection, say the Locavore model proves how a social enterprise can be run successfully and ethically to deliver considerable social benefits.
Further down the road in Govanhill, queues have been forming round the block at the Remade Network, a social enterprise project that encourages people to think again about their tech, gadgets and gizmos. The repair and reuse business wants to tackle the ever increasing amount of spare stuff we have lying around the house.
The Royal Society of Chemistry says that 51 per cent of UK households have at least one unused electronic device, but that only 18 per cent of people say they would choose to recycle them. That’s 40 million unused electronics, like smartphones and tablets, gathering dust.
So far Remade have passed on over 1,000 computers, donated by Glasgow City Council, to groups and individuals that need them, such as one parent families or school kids from deprived areas. It’s not just tech either. They’ll try to repair anything, from mechanical items to ornaments and clothing.
Zero Waste Scotland have welcomed the initiative, stating that by keeping existing materials and products in use creates a circular economy, which saves money and is good for the planet.
There are of course other Scottish companies making waves in terms of their ethical and environmental impacts. Scots craft beer brand, Brewgooder, a company founded on the moral principle that access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, launched in 2016 on World Water Day following a successful online crowdfunding campaign.
In their first three months Brewgooder sold enough lager to support access to clean water for a Malawian village of over 5,000 people. In 2018 they also became the first Scottish brewery to secure B-corp status – the world leading certifier of ethical companies.
Things are looking good for the Edinburgh and Glasgow based brewer. Online sales have increased by 300 per cent during the pandemic, they have recently secured a fresh distribution deal with Co-op and their full range will now be made available on draught for the first time.
Brewgooder are set for 100 per cent year on year sales growth and their co-founder James Hughes says the success of his company is an example of what can be achieved with a “purpose before profits” business model.
Alongside becoming a runaway success here, since launch, James and his co-founder Alan Mahon say their beer has turned the tap on 100 million litres of clean water for projects based in dozens of countries.
These are the successful and ethical businesses that I’m more than happy to raise a toast to and I’m interested to see what further social enterprises begin to make waves here in Scotland in the coming years.
The property market is a hot topic and has been throughout the pandemic.
People have been desperate to move to homes with more space, larger gardens and to houses instead of apartments.
The average house prices, which are announced monthly, give an indication of the property market and it’s no surprise that prices have increased yet again.
In Scotland, the average house price is currently £216,934 according to Zoopla, a figure which has continued to rise throughout this year.
The stats have been on an upward trajectory for a while now, so the recent Zoopla stats are hardly breaking news, however one new housing report certainly caught my eye – prices of homes located next to street art have increased.
How times have changed! Typically graffiti would be a turn-off for those looking to purchase a new home, seen as an eyesore and evidence of petty crime and low policing within a neighborhood.
However, it seems that this type of connotation is resigned to the past and there is a newfound appreciation for this type of skilled artwork. Especially as you look at the rate councils across Scotland are commissioning these murals.
Art and print specialists, Awesome Merchandise, have developed a mural value index which is really interesting to compare prices. Homes in Glasgow, for example, are 15 per cent more expensive if located near a mural.
Looks like CALA Homes (West) were well aware of this as their Glasgow city centre development, Prince’s Quay, has just installed a unique artwork mural designed by renowned Scottish graffiti artist Danny McDermott.
The artwork pays homage to Glasgow’s Garden Festival, with the development located on the former site.
If you’re on the lookout for a new home, I’d check out the index – you might save yourself some money.
It Made Me Laugh
Sometimes you just don’t believe your eyes, and I’m sure many did a double take as the Batmobile was spotted in Glasgow outside Greggs at George Square.
It’s a pretty surreal experience to see such an iconic vehicle on our local streets, and it certainly made me wonder – did Batman drop by for a steak bake?
The image of the masked crusader popping in for a coffee and hot pastry makes me laugh out loud.
Various superheroes are in the city filming for Hollywood blockbuster, The Flash, which has transformed Glasgow into Gotham City. This comes just days after Glasgow was turned into New York for the new Indiana Jones film.
In recent years Scotland has become a hub for filming, so you never know who you might bump into next time you step out for a snack.
It Made Me Weep
Glasgow employment has taken another blow, as Allied Bakeries announced a loss of up to 70 jobs out of a total of 90.
The factory, which produces products from Kingsmill and Sunblest bread in Milton, follows the news of cuts also being considered at the McVitie’s factory in Tollcross.
The company claims the changes are to make the business “more flexible and efficient”, however many of the staff will have undoubtedly been key workers who continued to work throughout the pandemic.
Local politicians are urging Allied Bakeries to reconsider their decision and worry that this will majorly affect the local community, the workforce and their families.
This is sad news and more devastation for workers in Glasgow. The last thing we need are more redundancies at a time like this.
