The first plastic-free greengrocer in Banff opens its doors today.
Oliveira’s, at 59 High Street, is selling locally grown and sourced food with either no packaging or in wrappers which be reused or recycled.
The shop is replete with fruit, vegetables, potatoes and eggs in baskets for people to pick up as well as featuring containers and jars of flour, dried fruit, rice and beans for customers to scoop into their own tubs.
Also on sale are products such as non-plastic toothbrushes, toilet roll with packaging which can be composted and shampoo bars.
Founder Catherine Henriques de Oliveira, a delivery driver from Macduff, said it was important o address the increasing problem of plastic pollution.
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The mother-of-three said: “About six weeks ago, I was thinking about the big drive to reduce plastic usage and realised Banff hasn’t got a greengrocer where you can buy whatever quantity of dried products you want rather than plastic wrapped packs.
“It can then appeal to everyone as big families who would use a bag and a half of carrots can come and get what they need as can a single pensioner who just wants enough for herself.
“For those popping in, I will have paper bags they can use, but I’m hoping to encourage everyone to come with jars, bags and tubs to get what they need.
“If fruit or veg does begin to start turning, I’m going to give it to a food bank but hopefully people will come in regularly enough that there’s no waste.”
All dried goods have so far been purchased from Highland Home Foods in Inverness, but the search is on for various handmade and plastic-less condiments.
She is hoping that Oliveira’s can expand in the future to sell fresh, local, glass-bottled milk and a range of toiletries and cleaning products so people can refill their own tubs.
She said: “I’m very nervous, but if it all goes well, my husband Antero and I will take on more staff as well as a wider range of plastic-free products.
“For something I only thought of six weeks ago and have done myself, I’m really excited. Our family already make eco-bricks and have cut back on using plastic.
“If everyone does a little to reduce their plastic use, it can make a huge difference.”
Oliveira’s will be open six days a week on Banff High Street from today.