In the heart of Lincoln you’ll find the city’s first zero waste shop Forage & Fill. Founded by Nikki, this thoughtful refill shop has become a hub for conscious shopping, everyday essentials, and simple swaps that make a big difference. We caught up with her to hear how it all started—and what keeps the jars (and ideas) flowing.
WHO ARE YOU?
Nikki Goldblatt, owner & currently sole member of staff of Forage & Fill, zero waste shop in Lincoln.
HOW DID YOU WIND UP DOING WHAT YOU DO?
We always longed for a refill shop in Lincoln. It all started when my eldest daughter went off to Uni in York, where she discovered and used the fab range of local zero waste shops there – shout out to the Bishy Weigh! When she eventually came home she was gutted that there were still no refill shops in Lincoln – so we decided to set one up ourselves! Along with her younger sister we started out in the Central Market in early 2020.
WHY IS FORAGE & FILL A COOL PLACE TO BE?
We came to Lincoln from London. We loved Lincoln’s scale, a walkable city surrounded by farming and local produce that we just didn’t have access to back in the big smoke. Adding somewhere to reduce plastic waste & food waste was our thank you to our adoptive new city and the next step in creating the sustainable lifestyle we were seeking. Forage & Fill offers local produce like our loaf that is grown, milled and baked entirely in Lincolnshire!
WHEN YOU’RE NOT RUNNING FORAGE & FILL WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
Adding something new to the shop playlist, getting together with local eco groups, playing Zelda or volunteering with the Lincoln archaeology group. I love listening to music while running the shop!
WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON?
I’d love to get an Open Food Network set up for Lincolnshire. I have worked on this in the past but at that time the circumstances weren’t right. Food supply chains and access to locally grown food are going to be one of the most pressing issues of the near future. It’s an incredible alternative solution to our current supermarket dominated supply chains.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO REUSE?
Like many people, frustration with the amount of excess packaging that goes home with you when you’ve been to the shops. Especially when you are shopping for a family!
WHAT DO YOU REFILL?
Everything from store cupboard essentials like herbs & spices to eco cleaning products, shampoo, body wash & plastic free, refillable skincare.
WHY FILL REFILL?
It was serendipity. We had already chosen our store name Forage & Fill, then when I started researching the nearest small scale eco refill suppliers to us I found Fill! Your gorgeous graphic design just sealed the deal.
COOLEST OTHER REFILLABLE?
We love locally grown refillable oil and locally made refillable dry shampoo, wildflower seeds and soy wax melts.
HARDEST THING TO FIND WITHOUT PACKAGING?
Lunchbox snacks! Grrr.
BEST MOMENT
Um, I’ve secretly been waiting for the Fill feature so cheers guys!
A VALUABLE LESSON
Students & retired people will be your greatest allies.
WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRATION?
All the people & creatures on this planet.
WHY?
This is what we’re doing it for! So everyone has a chance at a better future.
THINGS YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT
Sunsets.
LAST SONG YOU CHOSE TO LISTEN TO
