Chester’s first organic supermarket is the dream of co founders Wayne Taylor and James Platt. Wayne, a nurse and James, former Green party candidate for North Warwickshire are crowdfunding as the first stage of their vision of sharing their passion for the environment and food with the community.
“Our idea is to create a new brand of Eco-friendly supermarket (imagine an average sized Aldi or a large co-op store) that will be offering either zero waste foods or items with 100% recyclable packaging and with an emphasis on organic” says Wayne . “Essentially, the eco-friendly alternatives to all the goods you buy during your weekly food shop at the supermarket. We will strive to be an ethical, sustainable and a community led project that promises to be low cost and offer bulk buys at affordable and wholesale prices. ”
“We understand that cost is an issue and at Papi Organic we believe that sustainable, zero waste and organic shouldn’t only be for those people that can afford to care for the environment, and therefore we will have a range of quality products that will suit everyone’s budget.
“We believe that sustainable, zero waste and organic shouldn’t only be for those people that can afford to care for the environment, and therefore we will have a range of quality products that will suit everyone’s budget.
Crowdcube, in partnership with virgin start ups has highlighted our business as a strong contender for an investment readiness program due to our strong drive to create positive change in the world. The money will be used to further promote our business endeavour and secure funding to open up the most eco-friendly supermarket in the UK. We have plans to raise further money in the very near future and with a bit of luck, be open by Summer 2021.”
The pair have chosen Chester because of its “great culture and fantastic history” and identified the city for its eco credentials including the Straw Free and Plastic Free Chester campaigns. The pair are keen to talk about the benefits of organic shopping: ” Organic produce contains fewer pesticides. No harsh chemicals or preservatives and it’s often fresher as it’s generally local. Organic Farming practices tends to be better for the environment due to the minimal use of natural pesticides there is reduced soil erosion and increased soil fertility. This fosters biodiversity and is better for the local environment.
“We often hear about the bees disappearing and ‘colony collapse disorder’ has been heavily linked to pesticide use. We don’t want our bees to disappear! Organic raised animals are not given antibiotics, growth hormones or fed animal by-product’s. Organically raised animals also tend to have access to the outdoors that keep them healthy. Further more Organic foods are not genetically modified.”
The proposed supermarket has already linked up with a number of eco friendly suppliers including Suma Co-op, Eco leaf, Riverside organic , Organic North , A Fine Choice Eco and Zero waste products and One Planet Pizza.
To donate visit Fundraiser for Wayne Taylor by James Platt : Building an eco-friendly supermarket in Chester (gofundme.com)
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