Manchester is one of the top UK cities for eco-friendly shopping says new study

Demand for eco-friendly products has risen dramatically within the past five years, with studies by WWF reporting a 71% increase in internet searches for sustainable goods.

Google also revealed the five most searched for topics around climate since the start of 2022 all related to living more sustainably.

As interest has increased, so has accessibility, with many UK cities now home to a range of eco-friendly shops, proving just how easy it is to make simple and conscious switches.

New data from sustainable retailer, Ecovibe, has revealed the cities across the UK with the most sustainable shopping options – and Manchester has made the list.

The city has a total of 26 eco-friendly stores, offering a wide range of products from zero waste personal care, slow fashion and homewares.

It puts Manchester second on the list – below London with 75 stores, but above Liverpool (12 shops), Brighton and Hove (nine), Leeds (nine), Nottingham (nine), Portsmouth (eight), St Albans (eight), Bristol (seven) and Bradford (six).

Some of Manchester’s local eco shops include Waste Knott – zero waste homewares and personal care products; Earth Friendly Rocker – ethical clothing, health and beauty and vegan treats; and McCall’s Organics – organic food and drink.

“Whilst the high street has seen a decline in recent years, it’s great to see that eco-friendly shops are not only remaining, but thriving across our cities,” said Jos Battle, CEO of Ecovibe, who compiled the research.

The rising popularity of eco-friendly products comes as concern grows around the future of the planet, and knowledge increases around the harm caused by our shopping habits.

Whilst there are many eco stores across the UK, eco alternatives to everyday essentials, such as cleaning and clothing, often aren’t as easy to find in bricks and mortar stores.

If you’re looking to make eco conscious switches, then many online shops offer plastic free and non-toxic products. Eco cleaning subscription services which make it even easier to adopt a planet friendly approach are also becoming increasingly popular.

In recent years fashion has also undergone an eco-refresh, with clothing and accessory rental services booming in a bid to combat throw away and fast fashion.

“Swapping out traditional products for eco alternatives is becoming so much easier. So much so that It’s looking likely that eco-friendly products will become the norm within the next decade,” said Jos.

“With many options available on the high-street, online and even now in supermarkets, there’s no real reason to continue buying products that can harm the planet.”