What is it?
On the shop sign, under the name, you will see the words ‘Sustainable living’. That sums up the thinking behind this shop, which replaced a branch of Ladbrokes in 2019.
Something Good describes itself as a plastic-free pantry, a refillery (new word for the modern age) and a purveyor of ethical lifestyle goods. It would seem to be a (good) sign of the times and you would bet on many other similar shops popping up.
Something Good sustainable food and household shop in Jesmond, Newcastle
Why is it smashing?
Lauren Wedderburn, who trained and practised as an architect, set up Something Good with her mum, Kim. It was “a lifestyle thing”, she says.
“I wanted to use less plastic and I wanted to be able to refill things. I did some research into where I could go to get those products and found there was nowhere in Newcastle. I always wanted my own business, so I saw that as an opportunity. I thought: why not?”
Something Good is the place to go if you feel queasy about having to dispose of a plastic or glass container that could surely be used again.
Here you can have environmentally friendly laundry or washing up liquid dispensed into a bottle which you can take back later for a refill. The same goes for bathroom products such as body wash, shampoo and conditioner.
Self help at Something Good
If it’s dry food such as pulses, nuts or lentils you’re after, these can be weighed out for you to take away in a re-usable or compostable bag.
Biodegradable, plastic-free and guaranteed not to have been tested on animals are among the Something Good pledges. Lauren has seen plenty of evidence that shopping ethically appeals to a growing number of people. Business has been brisk.
Fresh food isn’t sold in the shop but Lauren has done a deal with The Paddock, the fruit and veg box operation at High Spen, near Rowlands Gill, so Something Good customers can order organic produce and pick it up at the shop.
Get your fill of dried delights at Something Good
Customers can also make orders through the Something Good website, where you can see all the items on sale in the shop, ahead of collection.
Here are just some of the things Lauren’s shop sells: Vegan chocolate slab; EcoCoconut bottle and washing up brushes; stainless steel lunch boxes; bamboo toothbrushes and cutlery sets; cinnamon; coffee beans; Georganics toothpaste; plantable greetings cards embedded with grass and wildflower seeds; face cream from Newcastle-based Pamoja Skincare; and compostable dog poo bags.
Lauren says she is not alone in responding to the growing demand for ethical products. Tynemouth has Buy The Kilo and in the Grainger Market, in Newcastle city centre, you’ll find Nil Living. As far as these eco-aware 21st Century retailers are concerned, the more the merrier.
Website: www.somethinggoodnewcastle.com
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Address: 265 Jesmond Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1LB
Words and images: David Whetstone