PLANET ORGANIC, LIVERPOOL STREET: REVIEW

Today I embarked on my first plastic-free discovery mission to health food shops after work. The aim was to take note of what I can buy and where, for when I need it. I had been to these shops before my new plastic-free life, and I wanted to know if they could help me out.

First stop:

PLANET ORGANIC, Liverpool Street.

A bit of a detour on my way home, invalidating my zone 2-3 travel card but worth it for a good cause. I set to work, scouring each isle systematically for things without plastic. Although it didn't turn out to be the miraculous answer to all my problems (it was surprisingly full of food in plastic cartons, crisps and sweets in wrappers and no loose cheese counter - some supermarkets are better), I did manage to find a few little treasures. I purchased my first zero-waste deodorant in a compostable cardboard container from Organic Essence. This is a huge leap for me because I am a self-confessed sweaty Betty, so this could be a step too far. I will let you know to what extent it works when my safe-option anti-perspirant in a plastic roller runs out (dreading it to be honest!). But regardless of whether it works for me, this brand could be my new favourite. They sell body butter and lip balm, all in compostable packaging.

I took another big leap and also decided it was time to buy a moon cup. It's made out of silicone, which might look like plastic but is in fact biodegradable. This will be much less wasteful than buying new sanitary products every month, even if they are plastic-free. I have to say though, it doesn't really appeal in the slightest! But hey, it's a good cause.