Our Story

When I became a mum 20 years ago, everything changed.

Protecting my baby as a new mother

My baby became the centre of my world. I wanted her to grow up healthy and safe. So I did a lot of research into what was safe for a newborn. And that's when I discovered a cocktail of chemicals lurking in baby food, milk bottles, and other baby products, like BPAs, PFAs (forever chemicals) and other toxins.

The baby research led to wider reading and the discovery of microplastics, and how microplastics leached into food and water and were then transferred from maternal breastmilk to babies through breast feeding. 

So in order to protect my baby, I had to protect my health first

The more I dug into it, the more outraged I was at the extent of how widespread the problem was.

This wasn't fringe science. The dangers of plastics were hidden in plain sight. 

Postpartum eczema and natural skincare

At the same time, I was also dealt a second blow. I suffered from full blown postpartum eczema. The discovery that the high-end luxury skincare that I had been using for years were full of synthetic irritants hit me hard. I struggled to find skincare that actually worked, ordering from as far as the US and Europe because there was so little on offer in the UK.

I taught myself to read ingredients,  learning the meaning of each scientific ingredient name so I can understand whether it was natural or synthetic.

Microplastics, forever chemicals (PFAs), and how it changed my life

These two threads of my life led to a determination to lead a plastic-free lifestyle, and a militant overhaul of the household, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. I sought out plastic-free alternatives especially for my baby, sometimes at great cost, to the disbelief of my family.

Friends and family thought I was barmy. Remember this was 20 years ago, long before microplastics became front-page news. 

Treehugger label

I was labelled a treehugger, an extremist. I lost friends, and nearly became a social pariah because of my "militant" views. So I decided to stop talking about it, to stop "preaching", and just to do it quietly.

Fast forward to 2026. Everything that I was trying to say 20 years ago is now front-page news. And finally I can come out of the closet and admit it. 

I am a champion of the plastic free lifestyle. AND I have been doing this for the last 20 years. 

Why? 

Because plastics are not a part of nature. They are apart from nature. They destroy our health and the planet.

Why we started Green Trading Company

This is the reason Green Trading Company was founded: to help others, like me, who faced similar struggles: skin problems, microplastic health concerns and not knowing where to look for trustworthy advice and products.

We are a social enterprise:  education platform first and a shop second. Our mission is to raise awareness of microplastics, pollutions, daily toxins and to help you protect your health & that of the planet.

The shop is a natural extension of what I do: a curated collection of plastic-free home and non-toxic beauty products culminating from what I learnt in 20 years of eco living.

We specialise in small artisanal British brands at affordable prices, and we stock products we would be proud to have in our own homes.

We do the label reading for you, so you do not have to worry about being duped by the greenwashing claims.

The Green Trading beliefs

Reducing your plastic exposure is a health decision, not just an environmental one.

You don't need to be an activist or an extremist. Small changes, one swap at a time, can make a difference.

High performance skincare and low waste home products should not cost the earth (literally).

We do not preach. We share what we have learned and let you decide.

Where we are today

The science has caught up. Microplastics research is now mainstream and very much in the public eye.

The mission has not changed in 20 years. I continue to show and tell you how a plastic free lifestyle is accessible, and not the exclusive purview of the elite or extreme.

"Small changes, real impact" is our motto. Do it one swap at a time. There is no need to overhaul your home. Just making one small change at a time can make a huge difference.

Partnerships

We welcome enquiries for partnerships with like-minded brands and small brands who would like us to stock their low waste or plastic free home and beauty products.

Contact Details

For sustainable partnership and/or stockist enquiries only, please contact swee AT green trading company DOT com. 

For customer enquiries please contact hello@greentradingcompany.com.