AN ECO-FRIENDLY store has saved more than half a million pieces of waste as they reach their one year mark.

More than 500,000 pieces of waste, which would have gone to land fill, has been saved by Lemon and Jinja, who are a zero waste store based in Romsey.

The store, which is based at Basepoint, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, provide packaging-free alternatives.

You would enter the store with a container and could fill it with a variety of products such as rice, washing up liquid, conditioner and more.

Jess Dugdale, who is the owner of Lemon and Jinja, said: "In one year, it is clear to see the impact we have made on the local community.

"We are over the moon with the amount of waste we have been able to save from going into landfill.

"Considering our location, we have continued to grow from strength to strength and have even matched, if not exceeded, shops based in city and town centres."

Following one year since opening, Lemon and Jinja have filled 2,050 100g bags of milk chocolate, 1,700 100g bags of vegan chocolate buttons, 540 1kg bags of basmati rice, 3,333 450ml bottles of washing up liquid, 1,300 1 litre bottles of non-bio laundry liquid and 1,350 1 litre bottles of fabric conditioner.

Jess added: "It is great to see more small business setting up in Basepoint Business Centres - we have created a mini retail hub just outside the town centre where we all support and look after one another.

"We are so thankful for the support from everyone and look forward to what will happen in our second year."

The store has doubled in size and have created their very own plant-based cafe.

You can also visit their refill stations in Chandler's Ford, Lymington, Tatchbury Manor Farm and Camberley.

This enables customers to get their essentials refilled closer to home.