A BRAND-new family-run eco shop which gives customers the option for zero-waste shopping has opened in Ringwood.

Love2Refill in Hightown Industrial Estate is a refillery shop in which customers can purchase loose products in customised quantities, reducing plastic waste.

Less than a month since opening, owners say the refillery is proving a big hit with customers keen to make a small change in the way they shop.

The business was born out of the owner, Sam Charlton, being shocked at the amount of rubbish on the streets, making her question the amount of rubbish and plastic being put into landfill.

She said: “What started out as a plan to make small changes as a family developed into me creating Love2Refill, which I hope will help Ringwood and surrounding areas in its mission to become an eco-friendlier community.

“Local people told me they wanted a one-stop-shop for all and that’s what I think Love2Refill provides.

“We have all the cupboard non-packaged grocery essentials, such as pasta, rice, herbs and spices, and we also want to showcase what the best local eco-businesses have to offer. We stock household cleaning products, laundry essentials, kitchenware, toiletries, sustainable food and gift ideas, even sweets and treats for the kids.

“We really do have everything and it’s lovely to see people’s surprise at what we offer when they come to shop with us.”

Love2Refill sources predominately local brands, such as New Forest Tea Company, Forest Edge Coffee from Lyndhurst, and gift companies Black Mustard Candles and Air Plants from Maybrook Design.

The shop is open six days a week, excluding Wednesdays.

Sam concluded: “This is an exciting new journey for me. I started out researching what we could do as a family to be more eco-friendly, and it has become a bit of a passion. I’m by no means an eco-expert but I’d love to encourage more local people to look at their own buying habits and make a small change.

“We welcome anyone who wants to come to the shop for a browse and see what we offer. If you’re new to zero-waste shopping, I would be happy to advise on what I have learnt.”

Visit facebook.com/love2refill.Ringwood for more information.