Zero waste shop opens in Edinburgh following Firstport funding
Zero waste supermarket The Eco Larder has officially opened in Edinburgh today (Tuesday 20 November) following a £5000 Start It award from Firstport.
Matt and Stephanie Foulds at the Eco Larder
Matthew Foulds, co-founder of The Eco Larder, was one of 11 social entrepreneurs to receive a share of £54,000 funding in this latest round. The grants, designed to support individuals to cover essential start-up costs, were awarded as part of the Scottish Government’s Social Entrepreneurs Fund.
The zero waste movement encourages the redesign, recycling and reuse of materials and products, in order to limit the amount of rubbish sent to landfill, for incineration or in the ocean.
Matthew and his wife Stephanie decided to set up the Eco Larder in early 2018, in an attempt to make it easier for Edinburgh residents to reduce their plastic waste footprint. The shop is dedicated to being totally package-free.
Following the Start It grant, and a successful crowdfunding campaign, The Eco Larder has secured premises in Haymarket and is ready to serve the Edinburgh community.
Matthew Foulds said: “Through our fully dedicated zero waste, plastic and package free mini supermarket, our aim is to reduce plastic waste filling up our oceans and to create a greener planet. Firstport and the Start It grant have been fundamental to us achieving our target of opening in 2018. We can’t wait to open our doors and to give the Edinburgh community the choice of reducing its plastic footprint, speeding up the change that needs to happen for our future.”
Matthew was one of 11 individuals from across Scotland to share a total of £54,224 grant funding as part of this latest round of Start It awards, delivered by Firstport.
Josiah Lockhart, Chief Executive of Firstport, said: “Public awareness of the environmental issues caused by plastic pollution is on the rise. Not surprisingly, we’re seeing a growing number of individuals looking at social enterprise as a sustainable route to tackle the problem. From zero waste shops to sustainable growing projects, to reusable sanitary pads, these start-up businesses are paving the way for change – and we’re delighted to be supporting them.”
ENDS
For further information, including details on other award winners, please contact Maria Ashley, Head of Communications (0131 558 2724, maria[at]firstport.org.uk)