A CHARD couple are hoping to launch a new store in the town while saving the planet at the same time.

The Chard Eco Deli is the brainchild of Marisa Bento and Colin Blackburn, who have begun a fundraising campaign to help their dream come true.

Marisa and Colin live in Chard with Marisa's two children, William aged seven, and Oliver aged three.

Marisa said: “Like most people we are very much aware of the plastic and wastage epidemic, beaches that once were picture perfect are now full of trash, the oceans have islands of floating rubbish/plastic.

“Plastic has never been fantastic, non-degradable packaging is everywhere, the big retailers don’t seem to care they are producing tons of waste our planet and the consumers are the ones paying for it.

“So we started talking ‘why so much packaging’ and how great would it be to have one of those general wholesale grocery stores that stock every day staples, all sorts of goodies and food that wouldn’t have to be wrapped in plastic and in the long term that would save money and reduce waste in households.

“After a lot of research we came across an old idea, with a new approach, a wave of stores opening all over the country, the Zero Waste shops, this movement has gained momentum in the last few years, immediately we felt that we needed something like this in Chard and that is how Chard Eco Deli was born.”

After looking at loans, the pair realised it would be difficult for a working family with average wages, no assets and no home ownership to get a loan and build a sustainable business, so they are turning to crowdfunding.

They are offering a reward scheme in return for fundraising pledges, which include vouchers, jars full of goodies, and even a lifetime discount.

Marisa added: “We believe this can really work and make a difference in our community and in the way people shop.

“With your support we will be able to get a shop and set it up with the appropriate equipment like dispensers, scales, jars, shelves and two grind your own nut butter machines.”

As well as food, cleaning, laundry, zero waste beauty products and homemade cakes, the Chard Eco Deli will also host workshops for children and adults.

To support Marisa and Colin, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/chard-eco-deli-and-1st-zero-waste-shop.