Jar’d Mercantile opened its doors in July 2020, now 2-years later in line with Plastic Free July, we met up with Katherine Dogterom, Owner of Jar’d, to talk about the amazing products she offers and how they contribute to a better more sustainable world!
Katherine was inspired to start her own business when they took notice of the amount of waste people would throw out without even realizing it. While it’s no surprise that it can be difficult to make the switch, today there are so many options out there, and “honestly, [Katherine] wanted to bring a spotlight to more local products, because usually local products are made better than mass-produced products and makers really do care about what they are putting in, plus the more products we can sell locally not only helps our own economy but ultimately the environment”, really you just need to find a local brand that works for you, says Katherine.
Jar’d Mercantile really is making a difference in their little part of the world, encouraging people to look at what they are buying while making it easy for people to buy low-waste, eco-friendly products. Carrying over 90% of Canadian-owned products, local businesses are creating amazing products that are better made! When using locally produced products you end up using less because it’s a better product so even though it might cost you a little more, ultimately it will probably cost you the same if not less in the long run.
It’s not hippie shit anymore, it’s mainstream products
The goal at the end of the day is that “we have more people shopping at refillery’s so even if it’s not at mine, we still want you to be doing something, making that transition in a way that makes sense to you.” Jar’d would rather you use what you have and slowly switch out your products to low waste, local products than change everything all at once, says Katherine. However, there is a fine line between not doing enough and demanding change because “there can’t be systemic change unless we push for it.” Yes, there are a lot of issues that the world faces with respect to climate resiliency; however, let’s start with refilling our bottles or shopping locally to reduce our emissions. Every little part we do in our own community grows into meaningful change.
Another way Jar’d is doing its part for the community is through their NEW Recycling Program for items that are not currently accepted by local curbside recycling programs. They also work with Earth Warrior to provide customers with a place to drop off any textiles to be donated.
Jar’d is giving rural Alberta residents a place to shop locally and sustainably instead of having to rely on shopping online. The hope is that when people want to buy something online, they will go with something local instead but getting there takes a collective effort.
So, by educating their customers on the story behind each product, they can trust that “when they come in either myself, my mom, my husband, my aunt; someone in my family has tried our products and that we have talked to the makers as well. Ultimately, we want everyone to be happy with what they are using at the end of the day”, says Katherine.
Jar’d Mercantile carries a variety of products to ensure customers have options, even new Canadian-made & manufactured products are coming soon for kids – there really is something for everyone!
Jar’d Mercantile
(pronounced “jarred mer-can-tile”)
4911 50th Ave #102
Leduc, Alberta
Come back each month to see who we highlight next! Have a favorite local eco-friendly business you want to shout out? Let us know by emailing monique@sustainableyogawellness.ca
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