There's an environmental movement taking hold on Glasgow's south-side. It's undeniably heartening news, considering that Scottish households produce 120,000 tonnes of plastic packaging waste every year. At the heart of the movement is Locavore, a community interest business, which is offering an earth-friendly shopping experience for Glasgow's residents. The initiative has had a cash boost under the auspices of Zero Waste Scotland, with additional funds from the EU. Endorsed by the Scottish government, Locavore is at the forefront of the city's shift from waste to the brave new world of plastic-free shopping.
The principle that underpins Locavore's plastic-free shopping range is a straightforward one - bring your own packaging. Customers are readily participating in Glasgow's eco-friendly shopping movement by bringing their own containers, egg boxes and anything else that can readily hold quantities of produce. All that's required of customers is to have their containers weighed before they start shopping. Once done, it's goodbye to plastic waste! The Glasgow business offers a huge variety of products that can be purchased without resort to using any plastic packaging.
For everyday household meals, Locavore offers a range of groceries that can be carried home using containers. These are not limited to solid products - customers can bring their own glass bottles and have these refilled with milk, juices and even cooking oils. Cleaning products such as washing powder can also be purchased.
Regular goods are available. Locavore has big tubs of an abundance of foods, anything from rice and oats to sugar, flour and grains. Herbs and spices are sold loose, and customers can buy their eggs in the exact quantities they need. 3 eggs needed? Bring an egg box and 3 eggs it is - reflecting the focus on being plastic-free and shopping for only what's needed.
The benefits for Glasgow customers is clear - shop for what they need and without having to take home packaging which they'll then have to dispose of. The parallel benefits to the environment can't be understated, despite the inherent simplicity of this culture change.
News in the same category
Some would say it’s the ultimate shopping experience. Bring your own shopping bag and shop away.
Seen as the future in world food, edible insects are being transformed for the more reticent. While Micronutris raises them and produces chocolates, crackers and biscuits, Ento is going for innovative restaurants.
The very first Poudland store opened in December 1990, in Burton-upon-Trent. Now the discount retailer counts about 550 stores, for the UK only. It entered the stock market in March 2014. And just passed the £1 billion sales mark.
The aim of the SILO locavore restaurant: take food back to the pre-industrial era. Between making ingredients (flour, cream, bread...), bills by mail and removing intermediaries, the chef, Douglas McMaster wants to reduce his waste to zero.
