Celebrating Everyday Heroes: How Green Meadows & Green Leith Bring Sustainability to the Heart of the Community
Written by Praise Afolabi on 9th April 2025
A Green Dream Turns into Community Impact
In a world where sustainability becomes increasinglyimportant, small businesses that have eco-friendly values at their heart truly stand out. One such business is Green Meadows in Newington and its sister shop, Green Leith on Elm Row. Founded by Simon, an environmental designer with a passion for tropical plants, these shops have become more than just places where one can buy greenery—they are active hubs of sustainability, education, and wellbeing.
Simon’s interest in plants took him to places like CostaRica, where he studied tropical plants and the environments they grew in. He wished to bring it home, to have a space where people could be near nature andalso adopt sustainability. “He wanted to bring tropicalplants to the community,” said his parents, who are supporting as applicable.
A Business Rooted in Sustainability
What sets Green Meadows and Green Leith apart is their firm commitment to living green. Sustainability is at the core of everything they do, from the products they promote to their business practices.
Plastic-Free & Recycled Products: The shops avoid selling plastic products and sell recycled plastic pots instead, which they source from small communities. A special case is their ocean plastic pots, which aremade from old fishing nets extracted by a diver from the West Coast. “He pulls them out of the ocean, melts them down, and makes various plant pots,” Simon’s parents explained.
Ethical Soil & Potting Mix: Soil is stocked in a *”pick and mix”* format, allowing customers to purchase only what they need in paper bags instead of plastic.
A Tropical Getaway in the City: The environment of the store is carefully designed to transport customers into a green, lush environment. “We don’t have music inthe store. What we do have is tropical jungle sounds, birds in the background, waterfalls, so customers feel like they’re entering nature.”
More Than Just Plants – A Community Impact
Besides providing plants and eco-friendly accessories, Green Meadows and Green Leith have contributedsignificantly to the local community around them. Thecompany has grown over the years and is now managed by Kirsty, a friend of Simon, who maintains the staff’s training and up-to-date knowledge. “Kirsty is the queen of plants. She does all the buying and introducing of new species,” Simon’s parents asserted.
The shop has also created a welcoming space for students, plant lovers, and novices alike. For most of its-clientele, plant care is a way of joy and therapy,
Join the Green Movement!
If you’re looking to bring a bit of nature indoors and shop with a company that truly has the environment at heart, Green Meadows and Green Leith is an absolute must-visit. With a team of experts available to provide guidance and a variety of eco-friendly offerings, whether you’re an old-hand plant parent or just starting out on the green life, they’re here to assist.
Find them at:
Green Leith – 55 Elm Row, Leith
At HeartSong Community Week, we’re celebrating unsung heroes like Simon, Kirsty, and volunteers, people making a difference with purpose and passion.Stay tuned as we continue to shine the light on people and businesses making a better tomorrow for our communities.
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Article compiled and edited by Praise Afolabi|Heartsong Live Radio
