|
Family Values
Founder of MoreEco, Mark Philip-Sorensen and his wife Lizzie live in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire with their kids Nils (7), Freddie (5) and Kasper (3).
Mark and Lizzie have always been keen to try and buy organic wherever possible, recycle their rubbish and be more generally aware of the impact they have on the environment. This desire became greater over the years as their family grew.
Only organic
For the family it began with an interest in buying the most, nutritional and quality food, which, after research, they realised was local and organic produce – and without chemicals. After sourcing organic and natural cleansing products for their children, Lizzie quickly turned her attention to her own facial products and cosmetics and became a fan of brands such as Lavera – so much so that even their sun tan lotion is now organic!
Kinder to the planet
Most of the family’s household products are natural and plant-based – and they buy in bulk not only to save on packaging but also to save unnecessary emissions from the courier. All packaging is in turn recycled.
An ethical twist
As the family became more aware of the environmental issues associated with buying organic products, they soon realised there were social factors too and wanted to consciously buy from smaller and independent retailers. “Ethical is a bit harder to do, however we are more aware of the clothes we buy and have a greater interest in fairly traded clothes, although if we have to choose we do tend to go for the organic option.” says Mark.
Being MoreEco as normal
For Mark and Lizzie, getting their children involved in their greener lifestyle is not about turning them into little green radicals, but being given an opportunity to educate them through practice so that it becomes second nature. “When I go to the recycling centre I usually take my kids with me so they understand what I am doing. They take it all in their stride and think that it’s an adventure!” says Mark.
As the family talk about what they are doing for the planet, such as switching their car insurance to a green supplier at no extra cost, a lot of their friends have begun to follow suit. Even Lizzie’s sister who “used to throw everything away” is now separating her waste and recycling it. “It’s like school and peer pressure.” Mark adds. “Slowly and almost sub-consciously people change their choices. The key is for it not to be led by marketeers who make money out of the being moreeco concept and then rapidly ditch it.”
Escaping the rat race
“After spending fourteen years in the corporate world I decided it was time to try something different. Years of driving around the UK in a suit was taking its toll on family and home life. Both my wife and I hoped to do something that improved our quality of life, but also considered our children’s future.”
Both avid online shoppers and keen to be rewarded for their loyalty Mark and Lizzie realised that there was difficulty in finding decent online eco shops in one accessible place. Within a year and just before Mark’s 35th birthday, MoreEco was born.
“Our aim is to bring together and reward the conscious consumer and eco, organic, ethical and natural retailer. By shopping via MoreEco you can save more money, be rewarded for your loyalty and know that in your own way you're doing your bit to help climate change."
Mark thinks it is never too late to change your shopping habits, and hopes that MoreEco shopping will become popular and an instinctive way of life.
A MoreEco difference
Mark’s business is not purely about a guilt-free purchase through a simple carbon offsetting process from the typical high street shop. Instead MoreEco offers a choice of true (often smaller and independent) companies who are green, eco and ethical at their core.
|
