A Macclesfield plastic-free shop has just celebrated their second birthday.

Scoop and Scales opened just before the second lockdown, and aims to encourage customers to bring in their own jars and tubs for dry groceries instead of buying in single-used plastic at a supermarket.

It can also be cheaper as customers can only buy what they need.

Manager Laura Doherty, who has volunteered at Scoop and Scales since they opened, became a paid employee in March 2021.

They believe reusing tupperware really does make a difference. About 700 liquid containers are refilled in the store every month, so the amount of single use plastic that has not been used thanks to the store can truly make a big difference. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"In many ways it does not feel like it has been two years, because of our co-operative dynamic and the fact that we are constantly evolving, it is always really fresh," said Laura.

"We're always responding to changes quickly. And our new layout has a lot more cognitive feel and better flow to the shop.

"The old space (the room next door) started as a pop-up and went from there, however, with the new room just located to the right as you enter The Old Sunday School, everything has been laid out with a plan in mind."

Their products are ethical, packaging free and hope to reduce our impact on the environment. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Plastic-free shops are better for the environment as it prevents the creation of single-use plastic which uses petrochemicals and cannot be recycled.

Scoop and Scales has 250 products from goji berries to Wilmslow-roasted coffee. Take a look at your pantry at home, if you can see it, Scoop and Scales have probably got it.

Local products sold include reusable period pads from Macclesfield's Z in the Attic, Fruits of the Forage and Happy Valley Honey.

"What many people don't know about us is that we are actually a co-operative", added Laura.

The shop takes cash as well as card. They also offer free locally-grown seasonal produce, or close-to-expiring fresh food alongside their main stock. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"If you join us as a member, it costs £30 for a one-off lifetime payment, and they can have a discount on most items in the shop, as well as having a say on big decisions.

"For example, our members just recently voted that we should have a paid bookkeeper.

"Moving forward, we want to push our profits for purpose mantra. We want to put as much as our profits back into the local community.

"Our members can vote on where we put our funds to over the next twelve months. And it is never too late to join. Just pop-in or get in touch online.

Members can get a five percent discount on most products. The store even gives away free containers to those who do not bring their own in, or want to try out the store for the first time. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"For example, we helped the Repair Cafe set up in Macclesfield, providing them with their initial running costs and now they're able to stand on their own two feet.

"We also have a great relationship with Bollington Borrowers, who are also an environmentally-friendly cause, who share many values and volunteers with us.

"We work with Grow Macclesfield, Macclesfield Tree Nursery and like-minded causes who need funds to make a project a reality.

"We are driven be a green ethos. So if a school or a hospital who want to do something green, we can help them.

They're located in the Old Sunday School on Roe Street. Stock enquiries and volunteer info can be found on 07753 318091. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"We just had our annual general meeting and I am pleased to say we currently have 501 members.

"Thank you so much to everyone for their support. Our turnover has gone up as have our sales, the latter of which has gone up 15 per cent month on month.

"We pay all our Managers a living wage, and will be giving a pay rise again soon.

"We have eight paid managers that work here, a paid cleaning supervisor, plus 20 unpaid volunteers. We are always looking to increase our volunteers so please come and have a chat with us!"

Macclesfield products stocked by the eco-friendly shop include Beerscuits and Sintra Naturals (pictured). (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

They also give back to the community by housing a donation point for Silklife Foodbank, who have a premises on George Street.

The space also holds events like an exhibition by Macclesfield artist Caitlin Moran from November 16, and a Health and Wellness day on November 27.

Scoop and Scales Co-Chair and Shop Manager Matthew Todd said: "I would like add a big thanks to everyone who has helped us members, customers, volunteers, and local groups.

"We couldn't have achieved anything without them."

They are open five days a week. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Plastic-free shops have seen a rapid rise in recent years.

Since Scoop and Scales opened, plastic-free refill shops have opened in nearby towns such as New Mills and Bollington.

Follow Scoop and Scales on Facebook.

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