By Seb Zabarte and Josh Verny White
The greenspace Zero, after 2 years of hard work fighting climate change in Guildford, closed on the first day of September. The shop was not just a great place for thrifting and sustainable clothing options, but also a central part of the green community in the heart of Guildford. As a coffee shop, Zero provided a space for people of all ages to come together to discuss the central problem plaguing the world, climate change.
Zero was the latest way in which the Guildford community tried to curb excessive spending and waste in the area, stemming from a rising focus on green movements and clean energy. The centre was founded just under two years ago, opening at the beginning of 2022. Zero provided many different options to be sustainable, incorporating many aspects into one community centre. A café was contained in the lower section of the centre, which gave any waste food away to homeless shelters and distributed to impoverished communities within Guildford. Kilo sales were an easy way of raising money for the shop as well as reusing clothes that otherwise would have been wasted (whilst being stylish!) Water refill sites for free and a gardening tool library, where residents could trade tools with one another, encouraged interactions between members of the general public and fostered positive links within the community. These are just a small percentage of the good things Zero did for Guildford during its small tenancy in the town centre.
So how did such an important landmark for the Guildford community fall to the wayside? We asked members of the general public to voice their opinions:
A – 22-year-old woman
B – 67-year-old man
C – 59-year-old woman
A said…..
What do you think Zero provided for the community?
I was quite sad when it closed, I went there pretty often after work and on the weekends as well for the kilo sales. It felt like a unique place, I don’t think I would have talked or met any of the people I became friends with if it wasn’t for it.
Do you think there has been a rise or fall in society’s interest in going green?
I think Zero is definitely an exception instead of the rule, definitely amongst young people the environment and bring green is still a big thing. Zero failing falls more on the demographic of Guildford, just apathetic old people who won’t even be here in a few years.
B said…..
What do you think Zero provided for the community?
I thought it was quite nice, the staff down there were very welcoming whenever I went in. There was always a few young people in there at a time so it felt quite lively. I know they had a charity side but I am not really sure what they do apart from that it had something to do with being green.
Do you think there has been a rise or fall in society’s interest in going green?
I haven’t been really following it too much, but I think it’s important to the young people at the least. Definitely more important to young people than to me. It was a few years ago that the Thunberg girl was making the news, so I think it’s on the rise.
C said…..
What do you think Zero provided for the community?
To be honest I am not quite sure, it feels like the place was a bit of a waste you know? Seemed like a hangout spot for youths but not really much else.
Do you think there has been a rise or fall in society’s interest in going green?
There has definitely been a rise in going green, just by the wrong people, you know the whole stupid stop oil stuff you see on the news. It makes people think about going green but does it in completely the wrong way and sometimes puts people off.
However it might not be the end of the sustainable mentality in Guildford and surrey at large. There has been a multitude of different events and pop-outs with a similar message and goal in mind as Zero. These are likely the best replacements and alternatives, although they may not fulfil the specific aims as Zero had. Here is a few of our best recommendations.
Guildford Kilo Sales
An event that takes place every few months are so in either the Guildford Cathedral or Guildford County School are the kilo sales. The Cathedral event is usually held by ‘Preloved kilo’ and has a much larger range of clothing. However, like most kilo sales you will have to sift through a lot of less desirable items to find anything of value, but that’s half the fun! Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after attending.
Surrey Car boots
Surrey car boots have always been quite a popular event for those in the know. They are a great place for finding pieces of vintage clothing, watches, jewellery, furniture and beyond. The very lifeblood of car boot sales is to reuse as all the items are second hand. The general view in society is that these car boot sales are low quality, and whilst you aren’t going to find any designer pieces, you are almost guaranteed to find something to your liking. An example of what a day at one would look like is on the left, with the prices also there just to give an idea of what its like. My personal favourite, which is also where I bought all the items on the left, is the Shepperton car boot sale. There is also a more local one called the ‘Nut Hill Car Boot Sale’ if making the trek to Shepperton is not convenient enough.
Greenhub
The Green Hub is one of the more unknown areas, but equally as beneficial for many. It is a centre that offers various activities for teenagers taking part in the maintenance and restoration of the garden. This can be useful for relaxing after school or being a part of a peaceful community giving back to others. Here flowers and plants are sowed and grown alongside the construction of animal havens such as bug-hotels and makeshift beehives that provide safe space for these creatures to flourish. Although it is still a more niche area for many, it can be a very positive and uplifting activity for those who seek a community helping pastime. It can be found in Milford on Portsmouth Road, near the centre of Guildford town.
Now more than ever it is easier to live, think and dress sustainably. Despite Zero being gone, being green is still more achievable than ever.
The 1509 