A selection of local independent businesses have offered to showcase what they have done for people and planet and will be running open days and/or workshops for the public to coincide with the Green Open Homes event. You can also of course visit during their opening hours and support them as a customer.
Please book events directly with them.
The Sewing Hub
Unity 12, 9-19 Rose Road SO14 6TE
Open Day 10.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. Thursday 18th September
A free event and open day embracing ‘Second Hand September’. Visitors welcome to come and actively take part in mending/altering the items they bring. Along with support and access to machines and equipment, textiles, ribbons, trims etc people will be able to relax and ‘sewcialise’ if they wish. Refreshments will be provided (donations welcomed). Also discussion about fast fashion and it’s impact on society and the environment as well as inviting feedback on future events and workshops. Note that The Sewing Hub is not a suitable environment for toddlers due to health and safety risks. However, children are welcome with their parents and/or carers but must be supervised at all times.
Gaia Health Store
22 Carlton Place, Southampton SO15 2DY
FREE EVENT Saturday 20th September 2 – 3pm Green Home cleaning tips with Emma
Gaia Health Store provides healthy, green and sustainable food, drink and cleaning products and personal care products for the local people of Southampton. They only sell cleaning products that are natural, and do not damage humans or the waterways. Note that workshops are held in the basement down a flight of stairs.
October Books
189 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton SO17 2NG
Tour of the behind the scenes sustainability features of the shop Saturday 20th September, 11.30-12.30
October Books is a co-operative, radical neighbourhood bookshop and community hub. Visit them on Saturday the 20th August to find out more about the products they sell, the sustainable features of their building (which they bought in 2018 with the help of their community), the stories of some of their stuff and events and to meet others with similar interests.
Montys Bike Hub
Just off Sullivan Road on a cul-de-sac called Stanford Court, Sholing. The post code for this Scout Hut site is SO19 0QX
FREE EVENT: Tours and conversation on Wednesday 17th Sept 4-8pm and Thursday 18th Sept 2-5pm
Monty’s is a social enterprise & charity supporting all things cycling in the east of Southampton, whilst empowering local people with new skills and opportunities. They run a range of services throughout the week which you can drop in to or you can book in for a bespoke session for you or your organisation. They will be open to the general public Wednesday 17th Sept 4-8pm and Thursday 18th Sept 2-5pm when they are happy to give tours of their workshops and bike sales area. If you haven’t cycled in a while and want a low cost entry to all things cycling this is the place for you.
Bitterne Park Stores
25 Manor Farm Road, Bitterne Park Triangle, Southampton SO18 1NN
Your Green Open Homes week would not be complete without a visit to Southampton largest refillery at Bitterne Park Stores, on Bitterne Park Triangle. This shop many look small from the front but in the back rooms they have the largest range of dry and wet refills in the city, with over 150 dry food lines, including nuts, rice and pasta, beans and seeds, herbs and spices and much more. Plus a full range of household and personal care products from shampoo and conditioner to laundry liquid and floor cleaner. As well as the refillery they stock fresh fruit & veg, local cheeses, tinned goods, vegan foods and much more. They also deliver using zero emission vehicles including cargo bikes.