Top Spots in Inverness to Shop Sustainably

Scottish Government campaign encourages people in Inverness to help tackle the climate emergency

In Scotland, on average 19.3 tonnes of resources per person per year is consumed, a figure which is well above the 6-8 tonnes considered to be sustainable.

As part of the Scottish Government’s Let’s Do Net Zero campaign, the Scottish Government is encouraging people across the nation to play their part in tackling the climate emergency through individual lifestyle changes, such as changing the way we shop and consume goods in our everyday lives.

In Inverness, an array of local shops and businesses are on our doorstep to help us to shop more sustainably, whether that be businesses providing second hand homeware and tools to support DIY projects, or autumn/winter season wardrobe updates.

Here’s a selection of local favourites:

The Health Shop – The family-run business in the centre of Inverness, offers a range of eco-friendly products from food and drink to skincare and supplements.

Originally opening in the 1960s as a grocer’s shop, the local business has adapted over the years to now offer in-store refills for a range of cleaning products, helping locals to shop sustainably.

Unique Ness – With individuality, craftmanship and sustainability as its ethos, Unique Ness is the perfect destination to shop for original and distinctive furniture pieces, all designed by local crafts people.

Founded by Scottish charity New Start Highland and located within the Eastgate Shopping Centre, the furniture crafting initiative also aims to help people across the Highlands to learn new skills.

Clachworks – A tool library, Clachworks is a socially inclusive space for making and remaking.

With a belief that the tools, skills and resources needed to create and repair should be affordable and accessible, the project places circular economy at its core.

Members can borrow a wide range of tools when they need them, rather than having to buy each tool, with workshops also available to locals.

Judith Glue – For those looking to get ahead with their festive gifting, Judith Glue is the perfect spot to pick up a unique and ethical gift.

Based in the centre of Inverness, the independent business stocks a range of environmentally friendly gifts and clothing.

Leakey’s Bookshop – A booklover’s dream from floor to ceiling, Leakey’s Bookshop has been a staple of the city for more than four decades.

Buying and selling second hand books from across the Highlands with a collection of over 100,000 books, it is Scotland’s largest second hand bookshop.

The Committee on Climate Change’s May 2019 report into the UK’s contribution to stopping global warming highlighted that more than 60% of the changes needed to tackle climate change will require at least some element of individual behaviour change.

And it’s not just our shopping habits where we can make changes.

Two of the biggest sources of emissions from individuals in Scotland come from the energy we use to heat our homes and driving our cars (nearly 50% of Scotland’s emissions come from transport and heating homes and buildings).

Transport accounts for almost one third (32%) of Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest sectoral emitter, with cars making up 39 per cent of transport emissions.

Driving less and instead switching to more sustainable modes of transport such as taking the bus or train, active traveling by walking, wheeling or cycling, staying local so we’re less reliant on our cars, alongside sharing car journeys with others, can bring so many personal benefits as well as help our planet.

And while the car may be an unavoidable transport method for a lot of households, it’s about assessing journeys and seeing if there’s more sustainable ways to travel for different occasions or journeys each week.

Further research has shown that around 19% of Scotland’s emissions come from our homes and workplaces, and that’s primarily from heating them with gas boilers.

Installing insulation is a simple way to reduce energy usage, enabling the home to stay cosier for longer and will lead to long term savings on energy bills.

Acting Net Zero Secretary, Gillian Martin said: 

“The way we use and consume goods has a significant impact on our planet’s natural resources.

“That is why we want to create a circular economy, in which resources are kept in use for as long as possible.

“Our Let’s Do Net Zero campaign helps people understand the role they can play in tackling the climate emergency – through reusing, repairing or recycling goods and improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

“These actions not only help to reduce emissions but can save us money as well.”

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland said: 

“We know that people in Scotland want to do their bit for the environment and protect our planet for generations to come.

“The good news is small actions we can all take – at home and while out and about – can make a big difference.

“The more people on board, the bigger the impact.

“Our consumption of goods is a huge contributor to Scotland’s carbon footprint, and that gives us all real power to cut it down to size and help tackle the climate crisis.

“By doing our bit for the environment we can all be part of Scotland’s circular vision and help drive the fairer, healthier, and more sustainable Scotland we all want to see.”

For more information and advice around the most impactful actions and changes you can make, visit netzeronation.scot