When Sammy Reid was watching the BBC documentary Drowning in Plastic, she found herself moved to tears.
“Everyone is more conscious of the ‘plastic problem we are now facing after shows like Sir David Attenborough’s Blue Planet, and documentaries like Drowning in Plastic,” she says. “But the one that got my full attention was one called The Plastic Whale.
“I was so upset by it, and what we as a race had done to our beautiful planet left me determined to make a change – not only for us as a family but to cut down on unnecessary plastic where possible.”
As a result, Sammy and husband Ian started Sea no Waste just two months ago in Arbroath. Offering one of the biggest package-free selections in Scotland, Sea No Waste has 150 gravity and scoop bins selling nuts, grains, pulses, dried fruit, cereal, snacks, pasta and about 10 different flours, to name but a few.
“We use a local wholesaler where most items are delivered in large brown paper sacks and they even take our empties to refill and reuse,” smiles Sammy, a former nurse.
“We get our fresh fruit and veg delivered locally, which all arrives plastic free, locally squeezed apple juice on tap, herbs and Spices, oils and vinegars and liquid refills for laundry and cleaning supplies,” she continues.
“We also have a large selection of plastic-free alternatives such as cloth sanitary items, beeswax wraps, lunch boxes, stainless steel bottles, bamboo toothbrushes, baby spoons and bowls all made from bamboo.”
Sammy and Ian have started to build up a regular customer-base as well as getting people popping in from St Andrews, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and even some tourists from Toronto.
“It has been really encouraging seeing the public embrace the concept by bringing their own jars from home to reuse in store,” says Sammy.
“We have had a lot of requests to open in other towns and cities which is lovely as it seems everyone is enjoying a zero waste one stop shopping experience.
“As one customer stated, I have great banter! I love chatting to our customers and giving them a cheery hello when they enter. Answering any questions they may have on plastic free alternatives. Our business is family run, who doesn’t love spending the day with their mammy. All in all, I absolutely love getting up for work each day, making that small difference that hopefully will make a big change in the future.
“We hope that our store can be a catalyst for change in our county and highlight the need for more business to be more aware of unnecessary plastic packaging. It is disheartening to learn that by 2050 there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish – just imagining that is mind-boggling.
“Sea No Waste is a way to say goodbye to single-use plastics. A bold statement I know, but it is possible, because we made it like that.
“I’m not an expert but I have the passion for change and help in any way I can. The issue is not going to go away overnight, it is up to us to save our one and only planet for our kids and their kids’ future.”
