Cardiff’s first plastic-free supermarket to open...

...with a little support from CPS Homes and brilliant Cardiff folk

Join #therippleeffectBy 2050, it's estimated there will be more plastic in our ocean than fish. Why? Well, 8 million tonnes of plastic waste is dumped into the ocean each year, which is set to double by 2025.

So when we heard Ripple, the brainchild of Cardiff native Sophie Rae, was aiming to be the city's first not-for-profit zero-waste store, we felt compelled to help get it up and running. CPS Homes has pledged £3,000 towards the overall target of £30,000, which has now been reached.

What's the problem?

Predominantly, it's single-use plastic. It's a worldwide epidemic. Thankfully, with the issue gaining more and more media attention by the day, it's becoming a fast-spreading realisation, but more needs to be done.

Did you know plastic packaging accounts for an eye-watering fifth of the cost of your weekly shop? So what if you could shop package-free? Well, you'd be saving a lot of money and precious resources.

What is Ripple doing about it?

Sophie's aim is to eradicate single-use plastic. Plastic bags, water bottles, coffee cups, straws, packaging, wet wipes, sanitary products... the list is endless, and it's getting longer.

Ripple will be a store that offers over 120 bulk wholefoods and encourages customers to bring their own containers, jars, tubs and bags to refill every time they shop. They'll also be stocking the best natural, cruelty-free home and beauty products, from eco laundry detergent to shampoo, soap and washing-up liquid. There’s even going to be some sustainable homeware and ethical fashion thrown in for good measure. Think bamboo socks and organic cotton underwear!

Aren't there other stores like this already?

Not in Cardiff, no. There's one in Crickhowell, at least three in Bristol and a load in London, but none in Cardiff. So many people in our capital city want to reduce their plastic footprint, but it's difficult and time-consuming when you can't shop at one place. Ripple will change that.

When does Ripple open for business?

Once Sophie has secured the perfect location, the rest of the funds raised will go towards their first big stock order, which will be sourced from a local, ethical co-operative in bulk paper sacks to reduce our plastic waste.

We'll update you as and when things develop, but if you'd like to learn more about Sophie and Ripple, you can visit their Kickstarter page or follow them on social media; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

09 August 2018

The information contained within this article was correct at the date of publishing and is not guaranteed to remain correct in the present day.

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