UP CLOSE with SILO as rising costs challenge Maldon zero-waste shop

By Honey Lock 22nd Jul 2023

Local News by Honey Lock 22nd Jul 2023

As global temperature records continue to be broken, families are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment. This week, Nub News visited SILO, Maldon's zero-waste refill shop.

Located in Wenlock Way, just off the High Street, SILO was opened by Lucie Walker-Hutt in September 2019. Since then, the shop has fought to remain open during a pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Lucie is determined to continue, as she feels her shop can benefit the community as well as the planet.

Lucie told Nub News: "We opened the shop as there was nothing like it in Maldon. We wanted people to be able to shop without the worry of single use plastic and help them tread more lightly on the planet."

At SILO, customers can bring their own containers to be refilled, or they can buy plastic-free items from the shop itself.

"I was inspired by my daughter to open the shop, as I realised the world is a very different place compared to when I was a child," Lucie recalls.

"You hear the horror stories about global warming and climate change, and the idea of seeing that through her eyes made me want to do something."

Nub News work experience student Honey Lock caught up with SILO's Lucie Walker-Hutt to discuss how the business can benefit customers as well as the environment. (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

SILO's products can be purchased in store and online. Best-sellers include laundry detergent and cleaning products. Customers bring their own bottles from home to have them refilled. The liquid is weighed, so customers only pay for what they have taken.

Lucie says the community's response has been fantastic, despite the store opening shortly before the pandemic. However, the cost-of-living crisis is proving to be another challenge for the independent business.

"I think people are finding it harder and local businesses are definitely finding it more difficult," she said.

"We want to stay open and do our bit to help the planet but can only do this if we are able to pay the rent."

Lucie has reached out to the community for ways to help engage more customers, providing free litter-picker loans and eco-friendly children's birthday party kits. The shop offers nationwide delivery and, within Maldon, items can even be delivered via bicycle.

She is encouraging residents to "help small businesses to thrive where you can".

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