In 2003, when Ecoshop first opened for business in Glen of the Downs, Co Wicklow, the general public wasn't as in tune with green issues as it is now. "The whole thing was regarded as very fringe and very wacky, and almost suspicious," says Jane Hall, the shop's proprietor. But the customers now walking through the doors of the shop (which has moved to new premises in Greystones) are an educated lot, concerned about chemicals in their cleaning products, preferring to eat locally and organically, with a keen interest in living in a sustainable way.

The shop, which stocks only recyclable, fair-trade, biodegradable and organic products, carries over 3,500 product lines, from eco-disposable nappies to natural paints and environmentally friendly dog shampoos.

Hall, a former librarian who worked for RTé for 14 years, says she was always interested in green issues and wanted to start a business of her own. Thus, Ecoshop was born. The cleaning products, which formed the core of Ecoshop's early business, are still some of the shop's most popular sellers, as is the Can-O-Worms range, which includes, for €175, a wormery to efficiently dispose of all your kitchen waste. In the food section shoppers can browse the locally sourced organic meat and fruit and vegetables, while those on special diets will find products suitable for their needs, including gluten-free bread and cakes. Upstairs, there's an impressive collection of books and magazines on sustainable living, growing your own, and natural health and beauty. Some of the more unusual items for sale include the solar-paneled Mini Eco Radio from the creator of the wind-up radio, Trevor Baylis.

Reassuringly for anyone who thinks that green equates with expensive, there are some great money-saving devices on sale too, including a paper-log maker, which turns your old newspapers into fire logs. It costs €24.99.

Hall is looking at ways to utilise the upstairs of Ecoshop more, maybe by opening a café. Last year, the shop held seminars on composting, organic gardening, recycling and natural baby care. Hall hopes to set up a new series of afternoon talks for the year ahead. For those who can't make the journey to Greystones, fear not because you can still get your organic cotton baby clothes, composting equipment and any other green goody you require from Ecoshop's online store. (See details below.)

EcoShop

Meridian Point

Church Road

Greystones

Co Wicklow

Tel: 01 287 2914

www.ecoshop.ie