A NEW zero waste mobile shop is set to launch in Wimborne this weekend amid growing demand in Dorset for waste- and plastic-free shopping.

Our Planet Zero Waste, which will be operating for the first time this Saturday November 23, sets out to help the people of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch to do their bit to protect the planet by buying what they need in a more environmentally friendly way.

The Dorset-based company is the brainchild of entrepreneur Laurraine Veal who is passionate about preserving the environment and reducing unnecessary waste and plastic use.

Laurraine, who lives in Wimborne, said: “We want to be able to help more people shop the zero-waste way. Over the last ten years we have produced more plastic than during the whole of the last century.

“We know that so many people are frustrated by the lack of zero waste shops in their local communities, and this is despite the zero-waste movement gathering force in other parts of the country and around the world.”

The company aims to source its products as ethically and as locally as possible, and to provide a convenient service for people who are environmentally conscious and motivated to buy plastic-free products.

Together with her partner Mark Burchell, Laurraine has purchased and fitted out ‘Olive’ – an eco-van which will soon be travelling around Dorset selling affordable plastic- and packaging-free products such as dried foods, household products and personal care products.

Olive has been fitted out with reclaimed pallets and second-hand items which would otherwise have ended up in landfill.

The eco-van will be stopping at locations including Christchurch Market, Hamworthy, Sturminster Marshall, Ferndown, Broadstone and Corfe Mullen. Laurraine is also planning to take her to farmers markets, festivals and local events throughout 2020.

Laurraine added: “While I’ve always recycled, I was becoming more and more aware that recycling was not the complete answer.

“Like so many other people in Dorset, I want to reduce waste and buy products that aren’t wrapped in a lot of unnecessary single-use and plastic packaging, and reuse what we already have.

“But, when buying from supermarkets, the options are so limited. I knew this was the right time to offer local shoppers an eco-friendly alternative.”

Customers will be able to buy directly from the van, or they can place orders online at www.ourplanetzerowaste.co.uk/click-collect and later collect from the business’ HQ in Corfe Mullen.

The company is welcoming pledges of investment from local businesses and individuals who support the ethos of the company in exchange for a variety of rewards and prizes including discount vouchers and branding opportunities.

A launch party is being organised for November 23rd and anyone interested in attending to learn more about the Our Planet Zero Waste service and to take a look at the ‘Olive’ eco-van are welcome to attend.

For more details visit https://www.facebook.com/ourplanetzerowaste.