Pioneering package free Southsea shop looks to change consumer attitudes
WITH UK supermarkets responsible for selling 900,000 tonnes of plastic packaging each year a social enterprise initiative took on the challenge of changing production and consumer mind-sets to go plastic free.
July last year saw the opening of The Package Free Larder in Elm Grove, Southsea
The shop allows customers to buy all their essentials without the environmental burden of single-use plastics.
People can buy toiletries, washing powder, spices, snacks, cereals and more, before taking them home in their own containers, jars or brown paper bags.
For its pioneering role in looking to change consumer attitudes and behaviours, the initiative has been selected for the We Can Do It Care of the Environment award.
Speaking at the opening of the shop, manager Connie Fenner said: ‘As a group we set this up because we though there should be a way for people in Portsmouth to shop plastic-free. This is the first place of its kind in the city and we’re really proud of that.’
The shop was opened by Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan who said: ‘The Package Free Larder is a really good example of local people dreaming big, then working hard to make that dream a success. It’s important that we keep on pushing to make Portsmouth a greener, stronger city.’