An Ethical Life, in Colchester, on making eco-friendly swaps

An Ethical Life, based at The Hythe, has stayed opened as an essential retailer and expanded to offer a hot food takeaway service.

The shop provides eco-friendly alternatives to every day products and refills of food and household items.

All its products are vegan and they also support local independent businesses.

Owner Rachel Parker said the last 12 months had been tough but the business had kept going.

"Personally I have been shielding due to a chronic illness but the business has remained open with the help of staff," she said.

"We have been doing lots of deliveries for orders that have been received through our website, over the telephone or via social media.

"We package our orders in reused containers and or paper bags. We have also introduced hot food as a takeaway service and have signed up with Colchester Eats and Deliveroo."

 

Today, Thursday April 22, is Earth Day with this year's theme being Restore our Earth.

The focus is on reducing our impact on the planet and how we can repair our ecosystems and Rachel hopes it will encourage people to make more concious choices.

"It is so very important as the damage being done to our ecosystem is horrific," she said.

"There are simple swaps that we can make within our daily routine that can have such a positive effect on reducing the impact our choices are having on our planet.

"It doesn't have to be daunting and I would suggest making one simple change at a time, for example when you next need hand soap by your sink think about refilling the container or possibly swapping to a bar of soap instead.

"How about having a go at 'Meat Free Monday'? One day a week meat free can make all the difference.

"After all it takes lots of people making small changes rather than a few people changing everything, to make a real difference."