Eco-village which aims to change the way people shop is set to open soon in Harborough

The Eco Village is gearing up to do business in the first week of February.

Operating out of the old Plumb Center on St Mary’s Road, it’s being launched by the two Beths.

Beth Lambert is branching out after setting up the successful eco-friendly Refill Revolution at Harborough Market.

And she’s working alongside her business partner Beth Awdry.

The two great pals have created a Community Interest Company to run the hub which aims to change the way people shop.

Beth Lambert, 39, of Northleigh Grove, Harborough, said: "We're not a farm shop and we're not a market.

“We're so much more than either of those two shopping experiences.

“We're unique in that we want to support people who are concerned about the harm being caused to the planet by our twenty-first century shopping habits.”

The mum-of-two added: “There has been a noticeable movement within Harborough of people joining together to try to reverse the catastrophic effects of climate change.

“Groups like the Eco Church, Sustainable Harborough and Market Harborough Repair Cafe and campaigns like the Plastics Pledge are all helping people to make changes to their day to day lives.

“And when we all act together those little tweaks can have a massive impact on our environment.

“The Eco Village is a way of providing a fantastic focal point where people can connect and make a real difference."

At the heart of the Eco Village will be businesses providing sustainable products, helping customers slash both packaging and food miles.

In addition to the Indoor Market, Refill Revolution will have a bigger shop at the new centre.

It will be selling loose dried foods, cleaning products and toiletries.

People will be able to take their own containers to be refilled, reducing waste.

Pet supplies company Dozy Dog will provide a similar service for our four-legged chums.

Waterloo Cottage Farm will sell pasture-fed local meat and there will be pesticide-free fruit and vegetables from Pearmans Farm Shop and Edible 16 and an innovative vending machine from Proganic, offering local, plastic-free organic milk.

A full list of traders can be found at the centre's website http://www.eco-village.co.uk

If you would like to get involved then get in touch via the website's contact page.

Beth Awdry said: "It's uplifting to have been so positively supported by people within the Harborough community.

“People have given freely of their time to help us and in turn we want to help make a difference to the town."

Lin Ball, of Churches Together and the Eco Church Team, said: "The Eco Village is an exciting development for Harborough.

“Many people here are keen to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle.

“The Eco Village will help turn that from an idealistic dream into a practical reality.

“We hope people will do their utmost to make the Eco Village thrive and grow."