LIFE.STYLE.ETC

Eco-retailer Beth Noy on ditching plastic, discovering solid shampoo and dropping her snack habit to help save the planet

Eco-retailer Beth Noy explains her one-woman plan to save the planet

spurred on by her frustration at buying items packaged in singleuse plastic, Beth Noy launched Plastic Freedom – an online shop selling a fabulous range of plastic-free products, from beauty to homeware. In less than two years, it has become one of the biggest online shops of its kind in the UK, and every order comes with a pledge to plant a tree. Beth lives in Southport with her two whippets, Smurfie and Roo.

What was the light-bulb moment that led to you launching the business?

I was trying to make plastic-free changes in my life and when I ordered a safety razor that came wrapped in single-use plastic, I thought this is insane. I realised that if I was having this problem, other people must be, too, so I decided to make it easier for them.

What’s the greatest sacrifice you’ve made for work?

Sleep! For the first 11 months, I had a full-time job as a marketing manager in my family’s bike business, so I’d come home and still have a day’s work to do.

And the biggest risk you’ve taken?

Last January, I took on a warehouse unit and hired my first member of staff. Until then, I’d been operating out of my spare bedroom with no overheads. It was a huge risk, but I wish I’d done it earlier – it was by doing this that the business really took off.

What’s your proudest achievement so far?

In November, the charity Surfers Against Sewage held the first plastic-free awards and I was a finalist in the small business category. Attending that event, and knowing that every single person there was fighting for the same thing, was very special.

The easiest swap for abandoning plastic?

I always say start by committing to one thing, such as never buying a plastic bottle. You can use tap water to refill a bottle and buy drinks in cans or glass. It’s a small lifestyle change, but makes a huge difference.

The toughest changes you’ve made to go plastic-free…

Definitely food, such as cereals, crisps and chocolate – all those snacks you can easily buy but that come in plastic that may stay around for 200 years.

What is the best plastic-free product you’ve come across?

Beauty Kubes – a brilliant solid shampoo. I am always being asked what I use on my hair!

What are your favourite eco-brands?

Beaut y Kubes, Wild Sage + Co, W hite Rabbit Skincare, Georganics, Truthbrush, Lani, Zao… I do my research with every product before I stock it, as I want people to love it so much that they will order it again.

What is your biggest extravagance?

I don’t really buy much, as I don’t like waste, and I tend to spend more money on experiences, such as spa days with friends.

How would you describe your interiors style?

Beachy and simple but filled with pops of colour, plants and photographs.

Share your best business tip…

Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to take risks when you know it is the right move.

Start by gradually swapping out the plastic products you regularly buy. It took me a year to be entirely plastic-free