An eco-friendly Christmas pop-up shop has appeared in central Trinidad to provide consumers with an opportunity to help protect the environment while embracing the holiday spirit. On arriving at the venue, shoppers are greeted by traditional Christmas décor reimagined with an eco-friendly twist. The events’ organisers proudly boast that even their Christmas tree is made of recycled wooden pallets.
The event’s brochure describes the pop-up concept as an opportunity to shop in a space where all of the vendors and artisans are in alignment with the principles of ‘zero waste’ and ‘eco-friendly’ living. To learn more about the sustainability aspect of the Christmas pop-up shop, Cari-Bois News reached out to Pravena Kissoon, president of Central Pathfinders Environmental Foundation (CPEF), the NGO responsible for the concept.
“This event is not only to showcase environmentally friendly alternatives to everyday products but to shine some light onto small local businesses who have been working hard to make a difference in saving our planet,” Kissoon said.
Kissoon added that CPEF hopes visitors will leave with a better understanding of how they should go about choosing eco-friendly products even when shopping elsewhere. She explained that all eight vendors that were selected bring something unique to the table in terms of promoting a sustainable lifestyle and that vendors were challenged to reimagine Christmas gift culture by reducing plastic use and finding biodegradable alternatives for gift wrapping and packaging.
On browsing the pop-up shop, consumers will see some of the better known eco-friendly products they would expect to find – like stainless steel straws and bamboo toothbrushes. Kissoon also explained that consumers could expect less common innovations on display such as ottomans, dog beds and planters made out of recycled tyres.
The eco-friendly Christmas pop-up shop also wants to help its visitors share Christmas cheer through recycling the gift of knowledge. CPEF partnered with another NGO, For the Love of Reading TT, whose booth at the pop-up shop allows for anyone to drop off an old book or pick up one for free.
Sustainable living is the unifying concept linking together all of the vendors and display booths at the Christmas Pop-Up Shop.
CPEF partnered with other local vendors including Choose Planet, Planet Modern, Caribbean Mega Suppliers in order to bring their vision to life. Today, December 13, is the final day for the 2020 edition of the vendor market and CPEF is inviting Christmas shoppers to come visit their pop-up shop adjacent to Joyce’s Hardware and Colour Shop in Freeport. Those looking to order items virtually in light of COVID-19 limitations, have been invited to order online by reaching out to @centralpathfinders on social media or contacting them at 620-2337. Kissoon assured that delivery is available and that all health protocols are being followed.
