New supermarket is Chester's first ever zero-waste store

Chester's first ever zero-waste store opens its doors this weekend.

All stock from Just Footprints which opens in the Forum Shopping Centre this Saturday (December 1) is completely packaging free where possible and its products are all organic wherever possible.

Customers will be able to buy a range of dried foods like rice, pasta, grains, cereals, fruit, herbs and spices all in plastic free packaging and will even be able to grind their own coffee in store.

Also on offer are plastic free toiletries, bamboo toothbrushes, toothpaste, refillable shampoo and shower gel, as well as other reusable items including water bottles, travel mugs and sandwich wraps.

The new shop is the brainchild of Debbie Groom who had become frustrated at the lack of options available in Chester for environmentally-conscious people like herself.

After spending the summer in Cornwall where her daughter did work experience with the national marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage, Debbie decided it was time to make some changes.

"I was shocked at how difficult it was to adopt this type of lifestyle once I returned home," she told CheshireLive.

"So I've had a complete career change from being a teaching assistant in a special school to owning a shop.

"We source UK grown produce alongside other dry goods which are in demand from trusted and known supplier and all items will be chemical and preservative-free wherever possible, body care items will be cruelty-free and we will offer a range of eco-household products with reusable/recyclable packaging.

"All our products will be eco-friendly alternatives to the products available at conventional supermarkets and we source our products locally wherever possible and use small businesses," she added.

"Just Footprints is for those seeking a plastic-free, zero-waste and greener lifestyle in Chester, North Wales and the surrounding areas.

Debbie explained: "There are currently no other packaging-free shops in Chester.

"The shop fit has mostly been done by ourselves and we've used recycled and reclaimed materials wherever possible - even the paint is recycled from a community repaint scheme.

" I've been overwhelmed by the response to our plea for help to get ready in time, colleagues from school, friends, students from the University of Chester, Members of Friends of the Earth and people that I've never even met before have given up their weekends to make this happen."

Just Footprints will be officially opened on Saturday at 10.30am by Surfers against Sewage Regional Rep and Plastic Free Chester Campaigner, Dr Christian Dunn.