First zero-waste shop closes

JERSEY’S first zero-waste shop has closed its doors – less than two years after it opened.

MiniMall owner Sonya Lavery announced the news on Facebook and blamed the closure on the challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic.

She thanked those who had shopped there and urged people to ‘be kind and look after our precious planet’.

She said: ‘Unfortunately, MiniMall will not reopen as a consequence of this pandemic. I want to thank you all for your custom and, for those of you who were our regulars, an extra special thank you for your support – it was very much appreciated!

‘I originally opened MiniMall with the passionate intention of encouraging a more waste-free shopping experience for our little Island. I hope we can all recover from this in whatever way is possible. These are tough times and more lie ahead, I’m sure, but it won’t be forever and if there are positives to take from this pandemic, it’s the realisation that family, friends and one’s health are really all that matters in life!’

She added: ‘Be kind and look after our precious planet, which appears to be repairing itself; perhaps one of the success stories from this crisis. Hopefully we don’t go back to the wasteful ways of life as before and, instead, start to enjoy the simple things while treading softly on our precious mother earth.’

MiniMall opened in Hilgrove Street in August 2018 selling loose food goods, sustainable and organic clothing and household items. It was designed to be entirely package free, with customers using refillable containers.

Last year Ms Lavery was a finalist in the JEP’s Pride of Jersey Awards’ Environmentalist of the Year category.