Dear Big Issue,
My vision is for every high street to have a locally-sourced ‘re-use’ shop, with Government support to initiate. We may see a return to local shopping but many high streets were already run-down pre-pandemic.
We need a growth in re-use shops for everyone, as they tend to only open in wealthier suburbs. The features/benefits could be wide-ranging and address Covid-19, climate change and inequalities:
- Providing employment and skills opportunities for staff
- Delivering training to the public on sustainable topics such as bicycle maintenance and up-cycling — acting as a community hub for these type of activities and queries
- Selling a range of affordable, locally-sourced products and gifts (appreciate subsidies would be needed), including fruit and vegetables
- Many opportunities to reuse a range of packaging materials to reduce waste, including single-use plastics
I know not a big solution to the economic downturn but an option for the solutions ‘mix’. If we evaluated where Government subsidies are given, including the airline and motor car industries, I think it would score quite highly for sustainable and local development and whilst staying safe during Covid-19.
Best wishes to you all for your excellent ‘Ride Out Recession Alliance‘.
Thanks and regards,
