‘Queen of Green’ opens new eco-friendly store in Plymouth

A woman dubbed the “Queen of Green” has opened a brand new environmentally-friendly shop in Plymouth.

Karlie Somerville, owner of EcoBlitz, has now opened up her very own store in Corporation Road off Ham Drive, selling natural and ethical products.

The 34-year-old said she “didn’t see” herself being able to open the store “in the middle of a pandemic” and said she is so “excited” to finally be open in the former Scorpio Computers store.

Plymouth’s newest eco shop has refillable cleaning products and beauty products and sells a range of other products from items for your pets, such as a shampoo bar for dogs, to tasty, vegan-friendly treats.

EcoBlitz even sells reusable baby wipes and makeup pads helping cut down on disposable products.

Karlie received confirmation from Environmental Health at the beginning of the year that the store could open on Monday, January 4 and sell food.

Although the store is new, EcoBlitz has been offering eco-friendly cleaning services for the last 11 years and most recently started offering eco products “to make them affordable and accessible to all”.

“I’m really excited to be open especially as I didn’t see this happening in the middle of a pandemic,” Karlie beamed.

“I’ve had so much support from my family and they all encouraged me to take the risk and do it anyway.

“I see the shop being a hub for great food, ethical products and a place where people can shop regularly, but with the environment in mind.”

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Karlie, who is passionate about the environment and “greener living,” is encouraging people to bring their own bottles and containers to the store to fill up products such as glass cleaner, hand wash, shampoo, conditioner and washing up liquid.

“As well as eco goodies we have received confirmation from Environmental Health that [the shop] can now sell food, so we will be expanding its natural food range in the coming weeks,” Karlie explained.

“We also plan to sell food for Argyle match days to provide a healthier option to food on the go.”

Karlie explained supporting local businesses “is really important” to her and she has reached out to many local bakers to help supply the shop with the cakes, bakes and savoury items.

The shop was completely gutted by Oakley Builders and Groundwork Contractors.

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“The refurbishment of the building has transformed it from the run down shop it was, to a bright and inviting eco shop that it is now,” Karlie explained.

The shop is open between 9am and 2.30pm Monday to Thursday and between 9am and 12pm on Saturday.

EcoBlitz will also open for additional late nights and Argyle match days. Find out more about EcoBlitz, here.