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Britain’s first ‘no packaging’ supermarket is up and running – and it’s based in Devon.

Richard Eckersley, his wife Nicola and their baby, Willow, are the family behind the UK's first ever 'no packaging' supermarket - here's how it works.

Earth.Food.Love is an organic shop based in Totnes. It's the first zero waste store in the UK, retailing a range of up to 200 pesticide-free products - but to shop there, you'll have to come along with your own pots, jars and sandwich bags.

That's because it operates a packaging ban - it gives out zero waste a day, even its energy is eco.

Earth.Food.Love opened in March this year after its founders, Richard and Nicola Eckersley discovered Unperfekthaus - a German anti waste outlet - during a trip to Berlin.

"We walked in and immediately thought, why doesn't this exist in the UK?" Richard said

"We came back to the UK and decided to open our own sustainable store - we wanted to go somewhere that we felt would make a difference to the local community - that's why we moved to Devon."

The motto of the shop is to deliver goods that are "ethical, wholesome and organic". It stocks grains, pastas and even maple syrup - but certain items, such as alcohol and milk, are off the menu.

A packet of crisps today can have up to seven layers of wrapping - that’s a whole lot of plastic and foil.

In fact, the world is producing 20 times more plastic now than it did 50 years ago – a number that’s fast growing – despite politicians and campaigners calling for a ‘zero waste economy’.

(Image: (Image: Zerowasteshop.co.uk))

But did you know that just one plastic carrier bag can take up to 100 years to decompose?

As Britain's waste problem continues to hit record levels, one couple reckon they have what it takes to get the planet back on track.

Their answer? A zero waste shop.

This is partly down to being unable to source an ethical supplier - and because they don't want to compete with local farmers already selling fresh - and organic - produce.

"By far our most popular attraction of the shop is the ‘grind-your-own’ nut butter machines. Filled with both almonds and peanuts, you can re-use your nut butter jar again and again and again. Each time filling it with delicious, sticky goodness that’s been ground right in front of you.

"It's not about price for us. We don't want to stock items just for the sake of it, it has to be ethical. At the same time, we don't want to compete with local farms - there are many around here that sell fresh produce already. We're adding products all of time, but the supplier has to be right for us.

"We want to live in a world where consuming doesn't have to cost the earth. We believe returning to these simple ways will benefit not only our health, but the planets too."

(Image: (Image: Zerowasteshop.co.uk))

Earth.Food.Love is a member of 1 per cent for the planet, an organisation that campaigns for a healthier, happier planet. 1 per cent of its profits go to the charity each year.

Even its energy is ethical - the shop uses Gloucestershire based company Ecotricity - a firm that produces clean, renewable gas and electricity.

And customers are happy too: "This week we've had an influx of tourists popping in to see what the shop is all about - they're fascinated. But we have a lot of local residents too - they come in with their own boxes and bags and stock up on what they need."

Earth.Food.Love stocks its items in bulk - much is locally sourced and biked over by local farmers, such as regionally grown oats.

Other products are transported using minimal packaging - most of which we can recycle too.

When it comes to the in-store experience, each product is laid out in bulk. Customers are invited to help themselves to as much or as little as they need. You can get a 10 per cent of discount if you buy 10kg or more of one product.

To shop, you'll need your own container, fill it up, label the weight, and then when then pay by the gram.

Zero waste extends far beyond just food - everyday items such as razors and toothbruses can also play a huge part.

The store's Zero Waste Lifestyle collection sells products that can help you live an 'eco' life. The collection stocks sanitary products, metal shavers that you just need to swap the blade on and bamboo toothbrushes that you can just replace the bristles on.

Since opening, owner Richard says it's inspired many other shoppers. Another independent store is soon to open in London, with a third in Birmingham in the pipeline.

In response to this, its owners have produced their very own guide to 'setting up your own zero waste shop'.

The guide covers location, budget, suppliers, how to find dispensers and even advice on what to stock and hygiene.

"In setting up a zero waste shop, you are creating such a huge shift in the way people shop that you are directly influencing positive change, and for that, you should be proud," Richard explained.

"Remember that is only takes one person to make one change, and the ripple will be felt through the entire ocean."