Calderdale business reopens to lead charge during Plastic-free July

A Calderdale business has ramped-up efforts in the name of environmentalism.
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Just Gaia, situated in the Piece Hall, Halifax, is posting tips and plastic free updates regularly throughout July in a bid to get the public to become more environmentally conscious.

The shop was established in October by couple Ross Denby, 37, and his wife Natalie, who officially reopened the business on Saturday after the tourist landmark flung open its doors to the public for the first time since March amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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‘Great’ start for Piece Hall trade as landmark reopens
Co-owner of Just Gaia, Natalie DenbyCo-owner of Just Gaia, Natalie Denby
Co-owner of Just Gaia, Natalie Denby
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"On our Instagram page, we're providing tips and updates on how to use more eco-friendly, alternative items.

"As a business, we're plastic-free and provide a zero-waste service, and we only sell plastic as part of an item such as a water spout, which a customer would use for more than 10 years."

Mr Denby spoke about his experience of being a business owner during the pandemic.

"During the Covid-19 lockdown, we were able to keep the business afloat by receiving click-and-collect orders from our website, which helped us keep going.

The shop was established in Octoberbycouple Ross Denby, 37, and his wife Natalie, who are pictured with their two childrenThe shop was established in Octoberbycouple Ross Denby, 37, and his wife Natalie, who are pictured with their two children
The shop was established in Octoberbycouple Ross Denby, 37, and his wife Natalie, who are pictured with their two children
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"Customers would park outside the Piece Hall and would safety drop off the orders from our shop, while working with the venue's operational managers.

"It was great because we were able to help a lot of our vulnerable customers during lockdown.

"But it's fantastic to see the Piece Hall open again and to see customers in our shop."

Mr Denby said his biggest motivation to get involved with the Plastic-Free July initiative tied in with the coronavirus pandemic.

Just Gaia is located in the Piece HallJust Gaia is located in the Piece Hall
Just Gaia is located in the Piece Hall
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He said: "For me, this is the perfect time for people to start doing things differently.

"The public should start looking at alternative ways of living because they are a lot of items we use which just aren't sustainable.

"The pandemic has forced us into a different way of living and a lot of sustainable products are much better than non-sustainable."

For more information on Plastic-free July, visit: www.plasticfreejuly.orgAlternatively, Just Gaia's Instagram page can be viewed here: www.instagram.com/justgaiahx

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