The negative effects of modern life on our planet are starting to become increasingly more obvious. With this in mind, people are shifting towards a more eco-friendly way of thinking and living. Taking time to make good purchasing decisions and consciously trying to reduce your waste is the easiest way you can make a difference and this is the message that Stephanie and Matt from The Eco Larder want to spread. They are currently crowd-funding to start a social enterprise in Edinburgh which will help people live a zero-waste life. We chat to them about this passion product and how people can really make a difference.
Can you tell us a bit about you and your background?
We are Stephanie and Matt and our beloved pooch Murphy and latest addition baby Jasmina. Edinburgh has been our home for over ten years as we both fell in love with the city during University and never left! After discovering office life wasn’t for us, we followed our dream to open a Yoga Studio.
Together we run Sunshine Yoga in Georgie and the studio is nearly two years old now! It’s definitely our second home and we love spending time there. This is because we have a wonderful community of committed yogis who inspire us every day.
Eco-Larder will be a zero-waste shop. What is the concept behind a zero-waste shop? How does it work and how will it differ to other eco-friendly stores in the city?
A Zero Waste shop aims to change consumer behaviour around packaging and plastic waste. The concept is to provide a range of every day goods, from dry foods, loose leaf teas, household products, pet food, toiletries and more without the need for packaging. The customer brings along their own recycled or multiple use containers to get weighed, filled up and purchased. The shop will also stock items that assist with living a zero waste lifestyle, from bamboo coffee cups and tooth brushes to cloth bags and nappies. The Eco Larder will be dedicated to being totally package free making it unique in the beautiful city of Edinburgh.
What gave inspired the idea to start a zero-waste store in the city?
We were inspired by the Zero Waste movement, which is thankfully becoming more and more mainstream. Our personal journey started with becoming more minimalist in our lifestyles, reducing the amount of stuff we buy as a family. From there, we became more aware of waste around food and packaging and the work of other Zero Waste Shops opening throughout Europe. We would love to help reduce global waste and nothing seems a better idea than starting on our own doorstep and so the concept grew from there.
Our aim is to put planet and purpose before profit, which is why we are a social enterprise with profits going to oceanic clean up and local clean up missions.
What sort of products will people find at the store?
(please see answer to question 2 on types of products)
We will consciously continue to source as much as possible local options to everyday package free products and look to grow our product listing over time, following what people are looking for.
The business will run as a social enterprise meaning the profits will go back into good causes. Which charities have you chosen to donate to and why did you choose them?
We will donate our profits to both global and local charities as it is one planet.
1. The Ocean Clean Up – these guys are phenomenal. With their technology, they can clean up the worst affected areas of the ocean where plastic has gathered in just 5 years. We chose these guys, because we felt so inspired by their TED talk, which you should check out!
2. The Marine Conservation Society – they have done such amazing work helping to impact social change in the UK, such as the plastic bag charge, banning micro plastics in toiletries and better wet wipe labelling.
www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch/greatbritishbeachclean
3. Thirdly, The Eco Larder will host local clean up missions, as well as have a dedicated space for educating the public on how to reduce waste and workshops to create homemade cleaning and personal care products.
Can you give the Hidden Edinburgh readers some handy tips to how they can reduce their waste and negative impact on the planet?
The term Zero Waste can be a bit overwhelming. Whenever you feel ready to start a journey to less waste, you must understand that it is not about perfection; it’s about making better choices. Zero Waste is a goal where every step counts, because there will always be products with plastic as it is literally everywhere!
Here are seven ways to get you started:
1. Finish the toiletry products that you have. Reducing your current waste, doesn’t mean throwing out what you have, that’s doing the opposite of what we are trying to achieve. Over time, items will slowly be replaced with more sustainable materials.
2. Start thinking about your food packaging. Bees 🐝wraps are a great alternative to cling film or aluminium foil and they come in lovely patterns too! Also, carry bamboo cutlery and reduce the need for that plastic fork for your lunch salad!
3. Hang a tote bag at your front door 🚪 with a re usable coffee cup in it. This way, you will be less likely to forget it and stops you feeling guilty when you have to buy another reusable bag.
4. Find a book, article, podcast or video to educate yourself – I recommend checking out @bezerowastegirl on instagram – Andrea is an environmental educator with 20 years of experience and has taught us a lot
5. Get to know your recycling bins and what goes where – there are different types of plastic, some of which can be recycled and some that cannot – remove labels and lids from your waste and rinse before disposal
6. Be aware of what you are buying, and take the time to notice if you could make more sustainable choices – buying your fruit and veg from a local greengrocer, who could use your support for instance.
7. Check out your local charity shops, vintage stores and clothes swaps, not just to pick up items but to donate your own rather than throwing them in the bin.
And finally, don’t be too hard on yourself! The term zero waste can be misleading, because literally every little decision you make helps, and we are all on our own journeys and timeframes!
Can you tell us about some of your favourite businesses in the city? Any hidden gems?
Well, being eco conscious, one of our favourite spots is actually just outside the city. We love the Secret Herb Garden and their wonderful array of herbs, plants and delicious cakes. The owners Liberty and Hamish are so inspirational and it is wonderful to continually see the business grow with new additions all the time. One of the latest is their secret gin garden.
Another hidden gem, is Edinburgh House of Hound. The best local dog shop ever! They are based at Roseburn and owner Darren is an absolute gem. He is so knowlege-able on all things canine and Murphy loves him too.
Finally, how can Hidden Edinburgh readers help The Eco Larder project be a success?
To help us establish our first home and get us started, we are currently crowdfunding. Pledging, sharing and generally spreading the word is the biggest help we can get. Together, we hope to help the people of Edinburgh reduce their waste and live a simpler life.
Thanks so much again and below are all our links:
Crowdfunding: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-eco-larder-needs-a-home-in-edinburgh/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/theecolarder/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/theecolarder/
Website: www.theecolarder.com
