10 Warren Street,
W1T 5LF
In Fitzrovia, we’re lucky to have local businesses that are keen champions of sustainability. This month, as we mark Plastic Free July, we’re shining a light on one standout venue who is leading the way by example.
Recently taken over by new owner Dolly Layfield, this independent health store is leading by example. Operating almost entirely plastic-free, the shop offers a carefully curated selection of organic food, natural remedies, and eco-conscious alternatives, all underpinned by a strong sustainability ethos.
“We are completely overrun by plastic. It is everywhere … as a health store, it goes against everything we stand for to ignore its impact on our health and the environment. Seeing plastic used unnecessarily, especially in the food industry, I felt a responsibility to act, it would be irresponsible not to.”
Dolly is committed to sourcing from suppliers who use plastic-free packaging, prioritising glass and biodegradable materials like sugarcane, a byproduct that would otherwise go to waste. It’s all about finding products that are good for the planet, not just good for shelf life.
Going plastic-free as a small business isn’t always easy, and often comes at a cost, but for Dolly, the biggest barrier is mindset.
“You have to want to change. There isn’t enough education or support for small businesses making these shifts, it should be the norm, not the exception. Changing your business model takes effort, but it’s possible. You have to be willing to do the work, seek out alternatives, and stand by your values."
Her advice to others? Start small, but start somewhere. “There’s almost always a more sustainable option, you just have to look for it.”
Health Foods London is more than just a shop. It’s a space for community, conscious choices, and open conversations about how we care for ourselves and the world around us.
Drop in for a chat, explore new eco-friendly finds, and support a local business that’s making a real difference.
We are completely overrun by plastic – it is everywhere. Once I read a report about microplastics being found in the bloodstream, I knew something had to change. As a health store, it goes against everything we stand for to ignore the damage plastic is doing to our health and the environment.
Seeing plastic used unnecessarily, especially in the food industry, really struck a chord. I felt a responsibility to act – it would be irresponsible not to.
We’ve overhauled a lot. All of our storage now uses recycled cardboard boxes instead of plastic containers.
For our homemade cakes, we use packaging made from sugar cane – it’s 100% biodegradable and perfect for takeaway options. Even our food preparation gloves are made from sugar cane, using by-products that would otherwise go to waste.
There are alternatives out there, you just have to be willing to look and commit to making the change.
We’ve made a real effort to introduce thoughtful, plastic-free alternatives throughout the store, and I’m proud of the swaps we’ve made. One of the most important changes is our takeaway cups—they’re lined with paper rather than plastic. It’s a small switch that makes a big difference. I also offer discounts to customers who bring their own reusable cups—it’s a great way to encourage low-waste habits in everyday life.
For our vitamins and supplements, I always request glass packaging from suppliers where possible. It’s safer, reusable, and aligns with our health-first values.
Customers have responded really positively. Once they find out our packaging is plastic-free – and plant-based – they’re genuinely impressed.
Mindset. You have to want to change. There’s not enough education or support for small businesses making these swaps – it should be the norm, not the exception. Changing your business model takes effort, but it’s possible. You have to be willing to do the work, seek out alternatives, and stand by your values.
I’m very particular about who I work with. I look beyond ingredients – I care about how products are packaged, too. If a supplier uses plastic unnecessarily, I either refuse their products or send the packaging back.
I’ve made a point to challenge suppliers who don’t align with my values. Some use plastic simply because it’s cheap, but that’s not good enough. I want products that are good for people and the planet – not just the shelf life.
Yes, 100%. People respond positively. When they realise the packaging is plastic-free—and often plant-based—they get excited. Customers appreciate our transparency and dedication, and many come back because they trust the choices we make for their health and the environment.
Start small, but start somewhere. Search for plastic-free alternatives to everyday single-use items – you can find them. Question every product and every supplier. There is almost always a more sustainable option out there – you just have to look for it and commit to the change.
Sustainability is an increasingly important factor for a multi-campus organisation in Fitzrovia but we can’t do it on our own. To deliver sustainable solutions, we need to work collectively as an area. The Fitzrovia Partnership is making this happen. 
Richard Jackson
Sustainability Director, UCL
