Uncle Sid's Reuseable Shop

Hello all, today I am going to recommend another sustainable store for you all. Those who followed my previous blog under 'Maretta Vergette' will know that I like to support local sustainable businesses. To those that are new here, feel free to get in contact if you have any businesses you would like to recommend!

Uncle Sid's is based in Lowestoft (in fact, they have just celebrated their one year anniversary!) and I was excited to visit back in the summer as I had heard good things and I was not dissapointed! They have a range of food products such as: spices,herbs, flour, cereals, pasta and many others. Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable/refillable containers but if you are without one, Uncle Sid's can offer clean jars suitable for the purpose. During this time, Uncle Sid's are asking customers to email their orders through if possible to reduce contact time in store. However if not possible, Uncle Sid's are still offering in-store refills.

As well as offering refills, Uncle Sid's also offer a large range of plastic free items such as metal straws, shampoo bars, Ecover refills, laundry items and toiletries.

I had been on the hunt for a sustainably made reusable razor for a while so I was excited to see UpCircle safety razors for sale, Upcircle are a London based company dedicated to creating sustainable and natural skincare, accessories and more!

Having never used a safety razor before I had plenty of questions (mostly about replacing the razor blades) but the staff at Sid's were very helpful and showed me how to unscrew the head and safely replace the blade.

The razor itself is a lovely mint colour (as you can see) and is nicely textured which makes it easier to use. Uncle Sid's also gave me several extra blades which I have not yet had to use, I have been using this razor since August so I am quite impressed with the longevity of the blades.

Now as this razor is a lot heavier (and sharper) than other razors I have used, I was rather nervous as I am quite clumsy and prone to injuring myself! One thing to remember when using this razor is not to apply too much pressure and let the razor gently glide as the razor head is heavy so will have more momentum then a lighter blade. I have found also that using a moisturising soap helps to avoid any nicks/cuts.

I have unfortunately managed to cut my skin with this razor but that was purely because I was trying to do it quickly, so please learn from my mistakes and take your time!

Ultimately I would recommend this product as by purchasing this razor, you will ultimately be saving money in the long run and helping out the planet.

One thing I would like to add, I choose to shave because I want to not because of the pressures of society. To anyone reading this who feels pressured to shave, it is your body and your choice.

Anyway, onto to a lighter note! I would definitely recommend Uncle Sid's reuseable shop to anyone in the Norfolk & Suffolk area, they have a wide selection of stock (too many items for me to list in this one article) and are always trialing new products.

Here is their website in which you can find a list of their products and links to their social media https://www.unclesidslowestoft.co.uk/ which they update daily.

Thanks all!

Keep safe and have a pleasant day.

Katherine x