Somerset sustainability entrepreneur, Keith Hunt, has received a £12,000 Start Up Loan to support the opening of his zero-waste shop.
Our Precious Earth, in Holloway Street, Minehead, provides eco-friendly household goods and gifts. All products are ethically sourced and packaged in eco-friendly materials.
Keith came up with the idea for a zero-waste shop during one of his regular beach cleans, when, after discovering a lot of waste plastic, he decided he wanted to help consumers change their shopping habits.
Keith’s passion for sustainability is one of his core values. As well as running his zero-waste shop, he is a dedicated conservator and a Litter Heroes Ambassador for Keep Britain Tidy, through which he educates and encourages others to reduce litter and other waste.
Of the funding, Keith commented “In the few days that the shop has been open, I’ve had excellent feedback from local people who were pleased to find a new and interesting shop that sends the message about plastic pollution. The funding from Start Up Loans has helped me fast-track the opening of the shop, and make it look as good as it does”.
SWIGs Start Up Loans Officer, Jo MacEachen, said “Keith has a lifelong passion for reducing the impact of plastic waste in our lives. We were delighted to support Keith’s application, and through his shop, he has a great platform to help educate his local community on the impact of plastics in the environment and how consumers can reduce their own plastic use”.
