Meet Eighth Day – the co-operative making sustainable beauty accessible to students
In the heart of the bustling student quarter on Oxford Road, a very different kind of venue has taken root: An independently owned, eco-friendly food shop and cafe.
Despite an emphasis on the importance of veganism and sustainability in the modern era, this way of living is not always the most accessible or affordable.
But that might be about to change.
Enter Eighth Day – a venue that’s striving to bring an eco-friendly lifestyle to the forefront of Manchester.
This independent shop offers the largest selection of vegan, organic and Fairtrade goodies in the North West, meaning you no longer have to hunt for sustainable options or spend excessive amounts on online deliveries.
Their range includes a variety of food, zero-waste products, herbal supplements, and natural cosmetics; they even offer vegan alcohol to enjoy at student parties or evening meals.
Eighth Day originally opened in the 70s as a clothing store and craft exchange but transitioned into a wholefood shop as both customer and staff interests in vegetarianism grew.
One of their newest additions to their extensive range of products is natural, sustainable beauty products, which have risen to attention in 2020.
Eighth Day are also stockists of cosmetic brand Lamazuna – who offer zero-waste, vegan and cruelty-free bodycare products.
Their eco-friendly take on essential items like shampoo, conditioner, facial cleanser and toothpaste are free from packaging and toxins that can hurt the environment, meaning you can now extend your sustainable lifestyle into your beauty routine.
There’s also sustainable feminine hygiene products for sale – including menstrual cups and reusable tampons, which massively helps to reduce plastic waste whilst providing a sustainable (and student budget-friendly) solution to period problems.
Sustainable, eco-friendly beauty products are still a new phenomenon that are difficult to track down without paying an arm and a leg for, but Eighth Day are successfully bringing these within reach and budget of Manchester’s students.
There’s a vegetarian café on site, too – serving freshly made healthy meals and cakes for you to indulge in.
Takeout is available if eating-out isn’t your thing during the pandemic – and the café will be going 100% plant based on October 5.
Eighth Day can be found at 111 Oxford Road and is open from 9:30am – 5:30pm every Monday ’til Saturday.
You can also order any of their products and meals for delivery or collection from their website.