Liverpool named amongst top UK cities for eco-friendly shopping

Amid climate worries, demand for eco-friendly products has risen dramatically within the past five years, with studies by WWF reporting a 71% increase in internet searches for sustainable goods^[1].

Google also revealed the five most searched for topics around climate since the start of 2022 all related to living more sustainably^[2].

As interest has increased, so has accessibility, with many UK cities now home to a range of eco-friendly shops, proving just how easy it is to make simple and conscious switches.

New data from sustainable retailer, Ecovibe, has revealed the cities across the UK with the most sustainable shopping options, and Liverpool has made the top list.

With a database of eco shops across the nation, the retailer found that Liverpool has 12 eco-friendly stores, selling a wide range of products from zero waste options, sustainable homewares to refillable personal care.

Jos Battle, CEO of Ecovibe, says, ‘Whilst the high street has seen a decline in recent years, it’s great to see that eco-friendly shops are not only remaining, but thriving across our cities.’

The top 10 cities for eco-friendly shopping:

1. London – 75 shops
2. Manchester – 26 shops
3. Liverpool – 12 shops
4. Brighton and Hove – 9 shops
5. Leeds – 9 shops
6. Nottingham – 9 shops
7. Portsmouth – 8 shops
8. St Albans – 8 shops
9. Bristol – 7 shops
10. Bradford – 6 shops

The research shows that almost 90% of UK cities have at least one eco-store, with many home to product refill stations, sustainable homewares, along with vegan food and drink.

Here are some of Liverpool’s local eco shops.

• A Slower Space – sustainable homewares, prints, bags and coffee.
• The Refill Cycle – sells refillable cosmetic and personal care products.
• Waste Not Want Not – offers a wide range of zero waste items, such as food, drink, homewares and cleaning products.

The rising popularity of eco-friendly products comes as concern grows around the future of the planet, and knowledge increases around the harm caused by our shopping habits.

Whilst there are many eco stores across the UK, eco alternatives to everyday essentials, such as cleaning, and clothing, often aren’t as easy to find in bricks and mortar stores.

If you’re looking to make eco conscious switches, then many online shops offer plastic free and non-toxic products. Eco cleaning subscription services which make it even easier to adopt a planet friendly approach are also becoming increasingly popular.

In recent years fashion has also undergone an eco-refresh, with clothing and accessory rental services booming in a bid to combat throw away and fast fashion.

Battle adds, ‘Swapping out traditional products for eco alternatives is becoming so much easier. So much so that It’s looking likely that eco-friendly products will become the norm within the next decade.’

‘With many options available on the high-street, online and even now in supermarkets, there’s no real reason to continue buying products that can harm the planet.’

Sources (1) & (2)

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