One of the advantages of living where I do now is that there are local shops within a few minutes walk. At the moment I still do a weekly supermarket shop but, more and more, I'm enjoying just popping down to Gordon Terrace to supplement that. There's a Co-op that has milk, store cupboard items and even a few gluten free things - bread and cakes - which is helpful for me. It does sell fruit and veg but if I need those I buy from the specialist greengrocer, The Orange Grove. They are a little more expensive but usually good quality. I can buy exactly the quantity I need, even if that's just a couple of carrots or one jacket potato. They also stock more unusual items that the supermarkets often don't have: pomegranates, Jerusalem artichokes, heritage tomatoes. On some days of the week you can buy fresh fish here too. During the Covid lockdown this shop was a real lifeline for people. They even started a delivery service. I'm very much hoping they're still in business at whatever point in the future I need to give up my car and truly shop local.
I am lucky, too, in that I live within 5 minutes walking distance to an ALDI, where I can get a good choice of organic fruit and veg and everything else I need, from toilet paper to washing-up liquid to bread (although I prefer buying bread from the independent bakery down the road). We also have a farmer's market in the town centre three times a week; I rarely buy there because during the week I don't have time to go, and on Saturdays more often than not I am not here, but I love going every once in a while - even if just to enjoy the sights, scents and sounds.
ReplyDeleteNot having a car isn't so "impossible" as many people think - it just takes a sensible decision about where to live :-)