Macclesfield: New plastic-free refill shop opens in Bollington
By Alex Greensmith
3rd Feb 2022 | Local News
The zero waste revolution has ramped up in the Macclesfield area, as Bollington now as their very own plastic free shop.
ROOTSTOCK, located on Bollington's 104 Palmerson Street, are a sustainable goods refill shop taking on the war on plastic waste.
Name an essential, dry grocery, and Rootstock have got it.
And the best part? The products are guilt-free, as they are planet positive and good for you.
Being located below the Mother Nature Sanctuary wellness studio, there is a heavy-emphasis on stocking products with are both healthy for humans, and the environment.
They'll also stock items you may have thought could not be plastic free, such as bamboo baby wipes, menstrual products, and nappies.
Co-owners Sophie Hocking and Megan Malone are delighted to have opened their Palmerston Street store.
"I think there has been a large awakening recently of how we live as a global society in regards to the environment", said Sophie.
"We are very wasteful, it is very quick, single-use short term items rather than long term. And I don't think that makes a lot of people happy.
"So Rootstock is that realisation of changing our lives up, slowing it down, refilling and reusing instead of putting it in the bin. Making things more worthwhile and more meaningful."
Rootstock has refill shop favourites such as grains and spices.
But the green retailer set themselves apart from other plastic free offerings with has an eye-catching array of vegan canned goods and unique products for your pantry.
There's a plethora of loose leaf teas, as well as a sweet caffeine free date pit coffee.
Pott Shrigley coffee experts Kickback Coffee, who supply all the big eateries in Macclesfield, will also have their beans stocked the store.
Bamboo straws, plastic free chewing gum, and pet products also catch the eye.
They are even selling Rootstock branded wildflower seeds, with 80% of profits going to re-wilding charities, to further help out the environment.
Even items that you thought would be impossible such as vegan food wrap or cling film can be purchased, and they are just as good as the real thing.
Megan and Sophie, who both live in Macclesfield and the only staff members, are extremely grateful for the reception from the community so far. Neither have a background in retail, just a passion for zero waste.
"The support we have received so far has been beautiful," added Megan.
"We've got a massive network of small businesses we communicate with daily.
"And me and Soph have been friends for years, which is great for a business because we've got a very firm foundation of trust and love."
"We are looking to branch out with more local products as well," added Sophie.
"We would love to make a welcoming space. For anyone worried about refilling being inaccessible, we're happy to chat to anyone on your refill journey. Everyone is welcome and we're looking forward to meeting all the new people!"
There are also locally-made lip balms by Megan's mum, which come in two flavours.
The chapstick comes in almond or peppermint flavour, and you can bring the empty tube to be cleaned and refilled.
Eco-friendly cotton buds and zero waste toothpaste are other out-of-the-box alternatives in their toiletries section.
Megan's mum even hand makes long-lasting lemongrass deodorant from her home in Macclesfield, which is sold in the store.
Rootstock was founded during the first lockdown, and started by crafting zero waste kits to be sent to homes in the Macclesfield area, from a tiny shed on Bollington's Adlington Road.
Almost two years later, their first fully-fledged premises is a natural evolution of the climate-conscious business.
Megan and Sophie have thought of absolutely everything, and hope they can do their bit to prevent more single-use packaging from going to waste.
And for everyday items that can't be reused, the store is even going out of their way to recycle tricky single-use plastics like facemasks or tablet blister packs. All a customer has to do is just bring them in on your visit.
But if you forget to bring in a tote bag - then don't fret - when it comes to carrying your shopping, they've got compostable bags people can take away with you that go straight in your green bin (or indeed - be used again).
They also have their own Rootstock branded glass containers you can use if you forget to bring your own bottles or jars from home.
Their storage containers are also reused for when refilling their store, so you can shop with the knowledge that the whole process is good for the planet.
Jo Maitland, the Mayor of Bollington congratulated the pair on their opening.
"It's absolutely brilliant to see Rootstock in their new permanent location," she said.
"They are a perfect business for these times where people are doing their bit to help reduce the effects of climate change.
"Bollington Town Council has declared a climate emergency and has aspirations to achieve carbon zero as a town by 2030. Having businesses and residents that share those aims are key to achieving them.
"I wish the Rootstock team all the best with this exciting venture."
Rootstock is closed on Sunday and Monday, but open five days a week.
You can pop-in 10-5 Tuesday to Thursday.
Meanwhile, they are open from 10-4 on Friday and 10-3 on Saturday.
The Palmerson Street company can be followed on Instagram and Facebook.
See also: Permanent home for Macclesfield Repair Cafe in eco victory.
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