Terreta Neta: the zero waste shop you need to visit in Valencia

It may be the dream of many: to have a business that is an extension of one’ s lifestyle. It sounds a little strange; in fact it sounds unreal, so let me explain . Having your own business is already – in principle – the dream of many, but usually one thinks about starting a business that is profitable, even if it has nothing to do with our lifestyle or what we are passionate about. However, there are some people like Antonio and Marla who have managed to find a business that complements their lifestyle: the zero waste shop Terreta Neta in Valencia.

Antonio and Marla are a very nice couple, although we’ ve only met on our online versions during the lockdown, I managed to perceive perfectly what their way of seeing life is, and the truth is I loved it. Together they lead a sustainable lifestyle, in which they are committed to local consumption and zero waste products; as well as being activists committed to causes such as environmental care and feminism. Like many of us Antonio and Marla have adopted some (in fact many) actions that make their lifestyle an example for many others who want to start their road in becoming responsible consumers.

How did they start with Terreta Neta?

In case you haven’t heard of it yet, Terreta Neta is a zero waste shop located in the Benimaclet neighborhood in Valencia. In addition to having zero waste products, they also offer workshops, educational activities, debates and screenings, all of which revolve around social and environmental causes. Although Terreta Neta opened in 2018, by Begoña, it is not until October 2019 that Antonio and Marla become the new owners and promoters of this space.

For different reasons, Begoña makes the decision to leave the project she has worked on for just over a year. As current customers of the store, Antonio and Marla see an opportunity to expand their lifestyle, taking it to the next level and making it their job; so they decide to take over this space and continue with the good work that Begoña had been doing, and why not, make this space grow even more! It can be said that it has been easy for them to manage a store with which they had shared values since before becoming its new owners; although of course, the administrative aspects can be a small (or big) headache for those with a freer spirit. To tell the truth, this is nothing new for them either; since Marla owns Rastas Naturales, so entrepreneurship topics are not so unfamiliar to them.

For the last 5 months, counting the month and a half we’ve been in lockdown, both of them have been tying up some small loose ends in relation to the shop. As consumers, and now small business owners, they believe in a circular economy; a business model that in addition to involving all the people in the life cycle of a product, promotes the use of environmentally friendly materials for their production. A circular economy also includes local businesses and producers, an idea that Antonio and Marla not only know, but are part of.

What products can I find in a zero waste shop?

The products that we can find in a zero waste shop vary from shop to shop, but they all go under the same idea: products that have no packaging and that generate zero waste from their purchase. Fortunately, there are already many products that meet these characteristics, from personal care products to makeup and intimate care for women. A very important part for Antonio and Marla, is that the products sold in Terreta Neta – besides being zero waste – are from entrepreneurs and if they are from local people, so much the better!

However, this can be difficult with certain products, since because of their characteristics they are not produced in the neighbourhood or even in cities near Valencia; so in these cases, they have had to turn to neighbouring communities or countries to get a quality product that is compatible with their values. Also, this is why they create some of the products they sell: napkins, handkerchiefs, shopping bags or make-up removal discs; this small production helps them to have a quick response capacity (since they are made on demand) and even being able to make specific orders for any of their customers.

Having to take a break in a project to which you have dedicated many hours, is very painful; especially when it is due to external circumstances such as the ones we are currently experiencing. But, in spite of that, Antonio and Marla are positive and looking forward to raise the curtain on Terreta Neta and see again the faces of all those who will continue to bet on a sustainable lifestyle. On their return, they will have many surprises: an online shop (currently under construction) where you can place your orders in case you don’t find them during their usual opening hours; new zero waste products; handmade products and a new agenda of workshops and talks that will help us continue our work as environmental warriors.

Support small businesses!

For now, the only thing we can do is support them remotely and help their small business continue (as well as that of many others) in the new state of normality that we are going to experience. One way we can do this is by acquiring pre-purchase vouchers that we can spend once the lockdown is over. These vouchers have a value ranging from 15 to 60 euros, and all have an extra amount as a gift; a small thank you from Antonio and Marla for supporting them in these difficult times. You can purchase your vouchers by sending them a direct message on their social media networks, an email to hola@terretaneta.com or by Whatsapp at 601751963 or 601751964.

Undoubtedly, tomorrow we will see this period of our lives as a very small portion of them; we will return to the streets, go running on the river and walk the streets of Valencia to get to our favorite zero waste shop, even if it is to greet those who will be smiling at us from the other side of the glass. This is no doubt what I will do … even if it’s from a meter away.