A renewed focus on the environment and the dangers of single-use plastics has led to an upswing in the emergence of zero-waste stores.
The environment has been riding so high in the news that I’d almost forgotten there was a Brexit to argue about…
Yes. It’s pretty much like in Game of Thrones when they all stop killing each other for five minutes and go and sort out the existential threat posed by the army of the dead.
So Greta Thunberg has destroyed the climate breakdown Night King and we’re talking Green New Deal, billions for eco research and development and – let’s not mess about – a bonanza for anyone in property bringing R&D or manufacturing facilities to market?
I think we may have a more immediate problem of metaphor breakdown. Obviously, no one has agreed anything of any consequence, but if you’re looking for actual good news for property, look no further than the amount of zero-waste shops opening around the country.
Zero what?
Zero waste. It means instead of buying things pre-packaged in a load of plastic, you bring your own containers and fill them with what you need.
I imagine these stores are wall-to-wall lentils and quinoa, right?
Wrong. You can buy almost anything, from bread, meat, cereal and nuts through to organic vegetables as well as non-food items like washing-up liquid. And because you decide on the precise amount you buy, you cut down on waste.
OK, but it does sound slightly like shopping in the 1950s…
For a lot of consumers it’s more fun than being funnelled through a supermarket. Many allow you to make your own nut butter or grind your own coffee and that’s got to be more enjoyable than having multipacks of beans thrown at you at the till in Aldi.
Fair point, but I bet Aldi’s cheaper?
There’s a huge variance in price. Some are “top-end” but others aim to pass the savings they make in supply-chain packaging on to the consumers so products end up cheaper than the supermarket.
OK, I’ll give it a go. Presumably I have to go to Brighton or Bristol to find one.
Not at all. Last year alone there were more than 30 openings, from Angus to Truro.
This could be huge for the high street.
Well, they’re not going to be filling any Debenhams-sized holes but as part of a broader mix of new occupier types, they’re a force for good.
Meet the occupier
Happy Planet Green Store in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, was opened last summer by husband-and-wife team Jerry and Tania Rees.
“We moved to the coastal area five years ago and were shocked and saddened to see the amount of plastic rubbish washed up on the beaches during the winter storms,” says Tania.
“We realised the world was using too much plastic and vowed to try and live our own lives plastic-free.
“However, sourcing products that were free of plastic or plastic packaging proved to be difficult, and the idea for the shop was born.
“We now have several national reputable suppliers who provide us with our bulk dried goods and household refills, along with small and local independent businesses who supply us with our dairy goods, bakery items, coffee beans, loose teas, soaps, toiletries and handmade household items. We also try to deal directly with brands rather than go through distributors, which helps us keep the prices competitive.”
She adds: “We want it to become the normal way to shop and plan to encourage and educate people from all walks of life. There’s a possibility there could be a Happy Planet Green Store II in the future so we can spread the word on zero-waste living for future generations.”
