The Bare Alternative

The Bare Alternative South Yorkshire’s largest low-impact lifestyle and refill store. Affordable and package-free shopping

Meet Studio Zeza ✨Maria is the maker behind Studio Zeza, creating handmade polymer clay earrings designed to bring colou...
07/05/2026

Meet Studio Zeza ✨

Maria is the maker behind Studio Zeza, creating handmade polymer clay earrings designed to bring colour, creativity and personality into everyday style.

Each pair is carefully handcrafted in small batches using lightweight polymer clay, creating durable and comfortable pieces that are made to last. From bold statement styles to playful everyday designs, every piece is made with attention to detail and a love for wearable art.

Sustainability is at the heart of Studio Zeza’s process. Maria works mindfully to minimise waste, reuse materials wherever possible, and create thoughtful handmade jewellery designed to be treasured rather than treated as disposable fashion.

You can now discover Studio Zeza as part of The Fair Alternative, our in-store showcase celebrating independent artists and makers at The Bare Alternative in Sheffield.

Visit us in-store to explore the collection and support local creative businesses 💛

Independent 💚 Local 📍 Creative 🎨 Sustainable 🌿

Here is a look back at April 🌷It has been a lovely mix of events and new things in the shop this month. We spent time at...
05/05/2026

Here is a look back at April 🌷

It has been a lovely mix of events and new things in the shop this month. We spent time at Abbeydale Live and the Sustainable Market, chatting to so many of you and sharing more about what we do.

🎪 We always love getting out into the community, and events like these are such a nice way to connect beyond the shop.

🎨 Back in store, we have also welcomed some new makers into The Fair Alternative, bringing even more brilliant independent creativity onto our display.

A busy yet really positive month, full of conversations, community and small steps forward. ♻️✨

Thank you for being part of it 💚

You do not need anything special or buy something new to get started with refill shopping. Just bring what you already h...
30/04/2026

You do not need anything special or buy something new to get started with refill shopping. Just bring what you already have, even if it is something unexpected, like an old ketchup bottle.

The fabric conditioner bottle in the second image is one I have been refilling for years. It was originally donated by a customer who no longer needed it, and I have just kept using it ever since, saving countless single-use bottles along the way.

We have labels available in store to help you keep track of what is inside your containers, so you can reuse them again and again with confidence.

In April, you helped add 1025 refills, bringing our total to 3625 single-use bottles and packaging items saved so far in 2026 from SESI product refills alone. Imagine how much that is across all of our refills.

Earth Day may have already passed this month, but it’s a reminder that simple, local actions like refilling are one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and shop more sustainably 🌍

Recycling is good. Refilling is best. 💚

28/04/2026

Why do sustainability events matter to Sheffield? 🌿

We asked Greg from Sheffield Action on Plastic, the organiser behind The Sustainable Market.

Events like this make it easier for people to shop plastic-free, support local independent traders, and explore low-waste alternatives all in one place. It is a simple idea, but it has a real impact on how people shop and connect with their community.

From refill products to eco-friendly swaps, these markets bring together people who are working towards a more sustainable Sheffield.

It is always great to see so many local makers, volunteers, and customers coming together to support something better.

Meet Cute Little Bags by Wendy 🧵Wendy creates a range of handmade reusable bags and accessories, from drawstring bags an...
27/04/2026

Meet Cute Little Bags by Wendy 🧵

Wendy creates a range of handmade reusable bags and accessories, from drawstring bags and tote bags to smaller everyday essentials. Based in Mansfield and available in our Sheffield shop, her work focuses on practical, low-waste alternatives made from cotton fabrics.

Her business began with a simple idea: finding a way to avoid single-use plastic party bags. What started as reusable fabric goody bags has grown into a creative range of eco-friendly, handmade products, all made by Wendy herself.

With a focus on low-waste production, fabric offcuts are carefully reused so that nothing goes to waste. Even the smallest pieces are turned into tiny bags, accessories and scrunchies, making these thoughtful and sustainable gift options.

You can now find Cute Little Bags by Wendy as part of The Fair Alternative, our in-store showcase celebrating local makers at our independent shop on Abbeydale Road, Sheffield.

Visit us in-store to explore the range, discover sustainable alternatives, and support local makers.

Independent 💚 Local 📍 Creative 🎨 Sustainable 🌿

26/04/2026

Over the last couple of days, we have been talking about textile waste and what we can do about it.

But what if something really is too far gone?

This clip from my chat with Burtie from The Flawed Project at Abbeydale Live is an important reminder that even clothes beyond repair can still be repurposed and kept out of landfill.

It is not always about fixing everything yourself. Sometimes it is about knowing there are still better options.

If you are not sure what to do with something worn out, it is always worth looking into local textile recycling options.

25/04/2026

We’re here all day at The Sustainable Market in Sheffield 🌿

📍 Victoria Hall, Norfolk Street
🕚 11am to 4pm

If you are looking for plastic-free, low-waste shopping in Sheffield, this is the place to be today.

There are loads of independent traders offering refill options, eco-friendly products, and sustainable alternatives to everyday essentials. It is a great chance to support local businesses and discover simple ways to reduce waste.

We are here showcasing what low-waste living can look like, alongside a brilliant community of makers and changemakers all working towards a more sustainable Sheffield.

If you are out this weekend, you are spoiled for choice. Definitely head down here, then you can head over to Design and Make at the Workstation which is just a short walk away.

Come down, have a look around, and support your local independent businesses 💚

22/04/2026

Today is Earth Day, a moment to reflect on how our everyday choices impact the planet, and the role we all play in protecting it.

Sometimes it is easy to feel like small actions do not make a difference. But then you hear something like this.

92 million tonnes of textile waste goes to landfill every year GLOBALLY *correction on the fact in the video

That's around 30kg per household in Sheffield alone.

Learning facts like this really puts things into perspective. It is not about being perfect, it is about being more mindful of what we buy, how we use it, and how long we keep it.

Repairing, reusing, and choosing to make things last longer all help reduce that impact.

Recycling is good, Refilling is best.

21/04/2026

Missed Abbeydale Live in Sheffield? Here’s what we had going on.

We were joined by local Sheffield projects sharing practical ways to reduce waste and save money in everyday life.

The Flawed Project were showing how clothing repair and mending can help you keep clothes for longer and reduce textile waste. From quick repairs to workshops that teach you how to mend your own clothes, it is all about making your wardrobe last.

We also spoke with SY Ecofit CIC, a Sheffield-based community interest company helping people improve home energy efficiency. Their work focuses on making homes warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and reducing energy use through simple changes and expert advice.

It was a busy couple of days at Abbeydale Live, and we loved seeing so many people supporting local independent businesses.

We have got more content coming soon, including clothing repair tips and home energy advice, so stay tuned.

We have just wrapped up a brilliant weekend at Abbeydale Live, and we are not slowing down just yet 🌱✨Next up, we will b...
20/04/2026

We have just wrapped up a brilliant weekend at Abbeydale Live, and we are not slowing down just yet 🌱✨

Next up, we will be at The Sheffield Sustainable Market this Saturday, and we would love to see you there.

It is a great chance to shop from local makers, discover sustainable brands, and pick up low-waste essentials all in one place 💚

We will be bringing eco-friendly swaps, sustainable gifts, and plenty of ideas to help make low-waste living that little bit easier.

If you missed us this weekend, come and say hello and have a chat about all things eco ✨

If you are planning a visit to town this weekend, make sure to pop in and see us.
📍 Victoria Hall, Norfolk Street, Sheffield
🗓 Saturday 25th April
🕚 11am to 4pm

Sheffield Action on Plastic

19/04/2026

We’re back for Day 2 of Abbeydale Live 👀

Clothing repair, upcycled clothes sale, and home energy advice are happening outside the shop today.

If you are out on Abbeydale Road, come and see us 😊

For a full programme of live music check the website
👉 abbeydale.live

Support local and independent businesses with loads of places to visit for food and drinks too!

Address

Sheffield

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 7:30pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+447422405166

Website

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