New parent company for plastic-free pop up

While Simona heads off on maternity leave, her husband Michael Mangus is the one who’ll be left holding their other “baby”.

Since its launch in 2018 – initially at Beetroot Sauvage vegan cafe and yoga studio and Leith Police Box – the brand has become a firm favourite with visitors to Leith Market and Out of the Blue Drill Hall, where Bambú has recently been operating as a pop-up three days a week.

“I have invested so much time, effort and emotion in the venture that it feels like my baby,” says Simona, who stopped work last week, days away from the expected arrival of the couple’s first child.

She was working as a healthcare researcher when she grew increasingly concerned about the harmful impacts of ever-growing plastic consumption on wildlife, the environment and ultimately the wellbeing of humans. The concept of a zero waste shop began to take shape, with the support of Michael, a full-time computer game animator and Bambú’s most committed volunteer.

“We embarked on the journey of setting up a modest package-free stall with a small selection of healthy snacks such as dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and plastic-free soap and shampoo bars to start with. Thanks to supportive friends, early adopters, old and new customers, it has been growing gradually into what is today with over 180 sustainable, healthy and/or locally sourced products,” adds Simona.

Until further notice, customers can find Michael and Bambú’s new assistant at Leith Market on Saturdays or buy nonperishable products online at bambuliving.co.uk

“We want to keep it going in my absence because I don’t want to disappoint all the people who like what we do, particularly those who have become regular customers,” says Simona.