Kelly Windle, co-owner of EcoShire in Winchester, is seen in the store which carries products designed to help people make healthy choices for the planet and themselves. Courtesy Photo

WINCHESTER – Reducing waste and complex chemicals has become an important part of our everyday lives and EcoShire provides an opportunity for people to purchase eco-friendly items locally.

Located at 535 St. Lawrence Street in Winchester in the same building as The Planted Arrow, EcoShire is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Stefan Kohut and Kelly Windle.  The business opened on October 22, with Windle explaining it carries “items to help reduce chemicals and waste in their lives”.

“We opened the store because we are passionate about being more ecofriendly to ourselves and the planet,” said Windle, continuing to say they are very conscious of how their own choices of household items such as cleaners or skin care products should be chemical free and natural as much as possible.  The business provides the opportunity for the community as well as their family to locally purchase eco-friendly items.

“Being an environmentally friendly store, it is important to watch our eco footprint and a lot of our suppliers are found right here in Ontario and some even in North Dundas such as Smith and Sayer and Handmade Hayley,” commented Windle.  “It is important to be mindful of how we coincide with Mother Nature and to use her gifts to enhance our lifestyles,” she continued.

Entering the store, the shopper will find a selection of products which are re-useable, such as plant-based sponges, bowl covers, food storage bags and a selection of personal hygiene items.  EcoShire also carries a number of items such as handcrafted cards, beeswax products, socks and incense sticks.

“We have all-natural baby and new momma products like belly butter, baby oil and some postpartum teas” available for purchase, explained Windle. The opportunity is available for people to refill items like laundry or dish soap, toothpaste and deodorant to name a few.

“Building a business from the bottom up is a big challenge, especially in a smaller community,” said Windle when asked about challenges faced and overcome.  She explained that expenses included the creation of “an interactive, educational website”, advertising, social media work and the time involved in all these activities as well as the many other jobs associated with building a business.

Windle mentioned that there has been a positive response from the community and that the business is developing “loyal customers that are excited to have us in Winchester”. The couple are committed to working in a collaborative fashion with customers to “create a community that can learn from one another and make healthier choices for ourselves and the environment.”

More information can be found on either their Facebook page or website which is located at www.ecoshirewinchester.com.

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