AN eco shop believes it has already stopped hundreds of plastic bottles going to waste just weeks after opening.

REco Store, a zero waste business, opened up in a converted storage container in Tiptree in April.

The store is run by friends Susie Falco and Elise Clitheroe and sells environmentally friendly household cleaning products, beauty products, dried foods and degradable bin bags.

Customers are asked to bring their own food containers and empty cleaning product bottles and refill them using the products.

And business, at the base in Tower Business Park, is already booming just weeks after opening its doors.

Bestsellers include food products, beeswax wraps which are an alternative to clingfilm and natural soaps.

Susie said: “People absolutely love the fact that not only can they refill their existing bottles but that they can buy products that are environmentally friendly and they can save money too.

“Since opening the store just over a month ago, the response has been fantastic

“Lots of people have been coming in just to take a look and to find out how it all works, and lots of others have been eagerly awaiting a shop like ours so have been ready with their empty bottle and jars just waiting to refill.”

A highlight for customers have been the shop’s range of vegan, cruelty free and biodegradable household cleaning liquids.

“An amazing realisation for us was that after two weeks of trading we had sold 415 litres of household cleaning liquid from detergent tohand soap,” she said.

“If we average that conservatively at one litre bottles, then in just two weeks our amazing customers have stopped another 415 bottles going to waste.”

Braintree and Witham Times:

Work is already underway to expand the product range at the shop with oils, vinegars, sugars and flours on the list.

Susie said: “One of the things that people seem to like with our store, is that they get a personal shopping experience. It’s like going back in time - being served and having conversations, sharing ideas about reducing plastic in the home and being able to learn about new products.

“Whether someone is an experienced zero waster or whether they are at the beginning of their journey, there is something for everyone.”