Sisters on a Mission: How Grace & May Home Are Helping Burton Live More Sustainably |
Meet the Burton sisters bringing beautiful British-made eco products and refill solutions to homes across Staffordshire. |
 |
Across Burton-on-Trent and the surrounding Staffordshire area, more people are looking for ways to reduce waste and live more sustainably.
But knowing where to start can often feel overwhelming.
That’s where Grace & May Home, the award-winning eco business founded by sisters Wendy and Sarah, is quietly making a difference - helping local households make simple swaps that are better for the planet without sacrificing quality, style, or convenience.
Based in Burton-on-Trent, the award-winning business is proof that small, thoughtful changes can create a powerful ripple effect.
And it all began with a conversation over coffee.
From Coffee at Kew Gardens to a Burton-Based Business
The idea for Grace & May Home didn’t start in a boardroom or with a formal business plan. Instead, it began in January 2020, during a casual coffee break at Kew Gardens.
Wendy was talking about eco-friendly products and her interest in finding more plastic-free alternatives for everyday household items.
Sarah instantly saw the potential.
The sisters had previous experience working together through a small vintage business years earlier, and the thought of teaming up again felt natural.
“We’ve always had a great sisterly relationship and bring different skills to the business,” they explain.
That shared passion - combined with growing frustration at the lack of sustainable options in supermarkets - quickly turned the idea into something more serious.
“Walking into a supermarket, there are endless aisles filled with products, but we kept noticing there weren’t always plastic-free or more sustainable options available,” they say.
The seed had been planted. And just a few months later, Grace & May Home was born.
Launching a Business in the Middle of a Pandemic
Launching any new venture is challenging. Doing so during a global pandemic takes an extra level of determination.
Yet in May 2020, at the height of COVID-19 restrictions, Wendy and Sarah officially launched their eco-focused business.
The early days involved a steep learning curve.
They researched suppliers, carefully selected British-made products, built a website, and began promoting the business on social media - all while juggling their regular jobs.
“We were complete novices when it came to building a website and running social media,” they admit.
Despite those hurdles, the sisters pushed forward, gradually building a customer base and expanding their product range as demand grew.
What started with a small selection of beauty products, stationery, and cleaning items soon developed into a much wider offering focused on helping people make simple eco-friendly swaps at home.
A Personal Commitment to Sustainable Living
For Wendy and Sarah, sustainability isn’t just a business concept - it’s something they genuinely live.
Their journey began with a personal pledge to make more environmentally conscious choices in their own homes.
“We wanted to live more sustainably, but it wasn’t always easy to find products that were both beautiful and environmentally friendly,” they explain.
Wendy had already started making lifestyle changes, including growing her own fruit and vegetables. As the sisters researched more about environmental issues, their commitment deepened.
They firmly believe sustainability doesn’t have to involve dramatic lifestyle overhauls.
Instead, they encourage small changes that add up to a big collective impact.
“Changes don’t have to be huge or expensive,” they say. “But if everyone made even a few simple swaps, together we could make a huge difference.”
Making Eco-Friendly Living Easier
One of the biggest barriers people face when trying to live more sustainably is simply knowing where to begin.
Grace & May Home aims to remove that barrier.
Rather than customers having to research eco alternatives themselves, Wendy and Sarah carefully curate a range of products that are effective, attractive, and genuinely environmentally responsible.
From cleaning products to personal care items and gifts, everything sold through the business has been carefully selected.
“We do the vetting so customers don’t have to spend hours researching,” they say.
Their social media channels also play a key role in educating customers, offering tips on topics such as:
Their goal is to become a go-to resource for sustainable living inspiration.
The Refill Revolution
One of Grace & May Home’s most innovative initiatives is its eco refill delivery service, launched in 2023.
The idea is simple - but the impact can be significant.
Instead of buying new plastic bottles every time a household product runs out, customers can refill their existing containers.
Grace & May deliver cleaning products and household refills directly to homes across:
Customers can purchase pre-filled glass bottles or request refills delivered directly into their own containers left on the doorstep.
Some order a single 500ml refill, while others stock up with larger quantities.
“It’s completely flexible and designed to work around people’s lifestyles,” the sisters explain.
The environmental impact is already impressive.
“In the last few years we’ve saved the equivalent of around 600 litres of single-use plastic from going to landfill,” they say.
For a small independent business, that’s a result they are incredibly proud of.
Old Solutions Making a Comeback
Interestingly, many of the products Grace & May sell are not brand-new innovations.
In fact, some are inspired by traditional household solutions that earlier generations relied on long before disposable plastic became the norm. One example is cleaning vinegar, which has become one of their most popular items.
Many customers recognise it from childhood memories.
“People often say they remember their grandparents cleaning windows with vinegar and brown paper,” Wendy and Sarah explain.
Another bestselling product is their fig leaf hand wash, loved for its scent and its eco credentials.
Customers are often surprised to learn that it’s vegan-friendly, UK-made, and free from harsh chemicals. |
 |
Supporting British Manufacturing
A defining feature of Grace & May Home is their strong commitment to British-made products.
The sisters believe supporting UK manufacturers delivers several important benefits.
Firstly, it ensures high quality.
British manufacturers often have long histories of craftsmanship and product expertise.
Secondly, it reduces the environmental impact of transport.
Products made in the UK travel far shorter distances than imported goods.
And finally, it supports the local economy.
By sourcing from British suppliers, Grace & May help sustain UK jobs and businesses.
One key partnership is with Fill, a family-run company producing eco-friendly household products in the UK using biodegradable ingredients. The company also operates a closed-loop refill system, where containers are returned, cleaned, and reused.
Fill products are:
“It doesn’t get much better than that,” Wendy and Sarah say.
Building a Loyal Customer Community
For Wendy and Sarah, one of the most rewarding parts of running Grace & May Home is the community that has grown around it.
Many customers return again and again, gradually making more sustainable swaps in their homes.
Their advice for newcomers? Start small.
“Pick one product and build from there,” they say.
A popular starting point is their ginger washing-up liquid paired with a dishwashing brush, which features a replaceable head to reduce waste.
From there, customers often explore other eco-friendly alternatives throughout their homes.
Positive feedback from customers has been a huge encouragement. “We love hearing people say ‘Keep doing what you do,’” the sisters say.
Recognition and Awards
In just a few short years, Grace & May Home has received impressive recognition.
Their accolades include:
Winning the #SBS award from Theo Paphitis was a particularly memorable moment.
Sarah had tagged the former Dragon’s Den star in a tweet about the business - and the following evening her phone exploded with notifications.
“He had chosen us as one of his winners,” she recalls.
The recognition provided a major boost and helped put the business on the map.
Rooted in Burton’s Community
Although Grace & May sells products nationally online, the sisters remain deeply connected to the Burton-on-Trent community. They regularly attend markets, fairs, and pop-up events across the region.
They also actively collaborate with other local businesses and eco initiatives.
Rather than viewing other companies as competition, they see them as partners in a shared mission.
“We’re all in this together,” they say.
Their refill delivery service is another way they support the local area - bringing sustainable solutions directly to homes across Staffordshire.
A Vision for a Plastic-Free Burton
Looking ahead, Wendy and Sarah are passionate about expanding their environmental impact even further.
One initiative particularly close to their hearts is Plastic Free Burton. The campaign aims to help Burton become an officially recognised Plastic Free Community, working with businesses, schools, and local organisations to reduce single-use plastic.
The project is supported by the environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage, which provides a clear roadmap for communities to follow.
The sisters are encouraging residents and businesses across Burton to get involved.
Small Changes, Big Impact
At the heart of Grace & May Home lies a simple philosophy. Sustainability doesn’t require perfection.
It requires participation.
As Wendy and Sarah often remind people: “We don’t need a million people doing things perfectly - we need a million people doing things imperfectly.”
With Burton’s population of over 76,000 residents, the potential impact of small lifestyle changes could be enormous.
“Imagine what we could achieve together,” they say.
Discover Grace & May Home
Readers interested in exploring eco-friendly products or learning more about sustainable living can visit the Grace & May Home website at:
The site features their full range of British-made eco products, refill options, and delivery details.
You can also follow Grace & May Home on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X, where Wendy and Sarah regularly share sustainability tips, product updates, and news about local markets and events.
For enquiries, they can be contacted via email at:
Whether you’re looking to reduce plastic waste, discover eco-friendly household products, or simply make one small change at home, Grace & May Home is ready to help guide you on your sustainability journey. |
Stay up to date with our local news!
Get articles like this delivered to your inbox.