Moray and Banffshire:- Lossie shopkeeper hailed as eco-hero
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An innovative shopkeeper who's reduced the amount of plastic packaging used locally has become the Moray and Banffshire green hero of the year.
Alison Ruickbie, who runs the Re:Store in Lossiemouth, was honoured at the awards ceremony last night at Brodie Countryfare.
Re:Store, which is on Queen Street, opened in September 2019 and stocks all the everyday foodstuffs you'd find in your kitchen cupboards, along with a wide range of cleaning and beauty products.
What sets it apart, though, is that customers bring along their own bags and containers.
Not only does this cut down on the amount of single-use plastics, it also reduces the amount of stuff that's end up getting thrown out because folk only have to buy how much they want rather than how much a supermarket dictates.
Accepting her award, Alison said: "I'd like to thank all my customers.
"Shopping at the Re:Store isn't always as easy as going to a supermarket.
"But people are prepared to go to the effort because they know that if everyone does a little bit then big changes can be made.
"Just shopping differently from time to time can make a difference."
Speaking later, Alison also paid tribute to the other nominee who made it on the shortlist for the green hero of the year.
Rachael Wareing is the healthcare centre manager at Gordonstoun School.
But as well as caring for the pupils' well-being, she also has led the way in recycling everything from medical bottles, blister packs and contact lenses.
Alison said: "We need more people like Rachael."
