Plastic free and plant-based at Blacksmiths
When the Pelican Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group approached Alyx-jane, owner of the Yoga Place Café at Blacksmiths to be involved in the Plastic Free Cafes project, she jumped at the opportunity. After all, the café’s mission is to promote sustainability and kindness through a plant-based lifestyle.

“Being able to offer these reusable cups to our customers is just one more way to make it easy to make sustainable choices” said Alyx-jane.

“We are very committed to sustainability, and do everything we can to avoid single use plastics. We choose reusable options wherever possible, and are careful to select suppliers with ethics that align with ours.”
Karin and Ken from the Pelican Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group have been pleased to welcome a new local business with a sustainability ethic to Blacksmiths.
The small business was established in Blacksmiths in November 2019, just before the global pandemic arrived. Alyx-jane and the team have been grateful for the local community, who supported them through the difficulty of covid.

“The community have really responded, and helped us build this nice sense of belonging here. We are proud to be positive role models, and to be demonstrating that sustainability can be integrated into a thriving business.”

“We’re inspired by the work of the Pelican Area Sustainable Neighbourhood volunteers as well. It’s lovely to have their support, and to see the great work they are doing in the community.”

The café is not only offering reusable cups, but has integrated a plant-based ethic and sustainability into all of their operations. They offer an excellent example of a local business leading the way for cafes everywhere. Here’s just some examples of the actions they are taking.
  • Reusable food storage containers (eg ice cream containers) have been sourced from other venues.
  • Their bread supplier La Tartine delivers their fresh bread in reusable bags.
  • Switched to reusable baking paper available from Wholelife Pharmacy in Swansea.
  • Sauerkraut, cheese, and juice suppliers allow them to swap, clean and return the jars.
  • Offer kombucha on tap, to avoid single serve packaging
  • Purchase their fresh produce in bulk to reduce packaging.
  • Offer their coffee grinds and food scraps for customers to add to their home compost.
  • They use compostable takeaway coffee cups, when a customer doesn’t bring a reusable cup.
  • They even create cup carry trays from milk cartons.
  • All reusable items in the café including crockery and containers are simply washed and sanitised, ready for reuse.
Alyx-jane with a sample of their delicious plant-based offerings. Image: AK Creative
"A key to our success has been networking with other local businesses and suppliers who are passionate about sustainability and wellness. We are part of a lovely community of businesses that are building in the region, and are eager to learn from each other."
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The friendly Yoga Place Cafe team: Wendy, Andz, Alyx-jane and Lizzy.
You can find the Yoga Place Café at 6 Mitti Street, Blacksmiths, or online at theyogaplacecafe.com, www.facebook.com/The-Yoga-Place-Cafe-101724461300828
Find out more about our work towards a plastic free Lake Mac