In search of the GOOD LIFE

Three women reveal how they overhauled their lifestyles to live more simply and sustainably

- KIM WILLIS

Nicola Eckersley, 31, lives in Devon with her husband Richard, 31, and their children, Willow, four, and Wren, one.

‘We realised how much waste we created’

Grabbing my keys, I stepped over the mound of recycling by the door of our Manchester flat. It was 2016 and my husband Richard and I were transitioning to an ecofriendly lifestyle, buying organic, plant-based food from an ethical cooperative and recycling as much as we could. But, with no proper recycling service, we were realising just how much waste we created.

Richard was a professional footballer but wanted a fresh start. We searched online: ‘Where is the most eco-friendly place to live in the UK?’ Totnes, Devon, came up. Then we came across an article about a zero-waste shop in Berlin selling whole, pulses, and nut butter, without plastic packaging. Almost overnight, we were inspired to become zero-waste shopkeepers, moving to Totnes and opening Earth.Food.Love in March 2017. We use a renewable energy supplier and joined 1% For The Planet, giving 1% of annual profits to the global movement for a healthier, happier planet. We believe wherever you live, you should be able to buy pasta in a brown paper bag if you wish.

Three years ago, we moved into an intentional community, sharing 10 acres of land with 19 other families. We share the upkeep of the veg patch, herb garden, orchard, polytunnels and woodland, and grow lots of our own food.

Living sustainably is cheaper and easier than you might think. We haven’t flown abroad in years and we’re converting a camper van to explore the UK. There’s so much to enjoy here, while reducing our carbon footprint and supporting the local economy. Whether it’s growing your own, holidaying in the UK or shopping local, it’s time to reimagine the future.

• thezerowasteshop.co.uk