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Kirsten Marshall lives on the Suffolk/Essex border and is the editor of The Eco News, which launched last year and is full of positive, planet news. Here, she explains how she came up with the idea during lockdown, and how the printed version is being read in Canada

How was everything looking for you at the start of the pandemic?

The pandemic hit me. I am always outgoing and social in day-to-day life, and I did feel trapped and a bit lost to the situation. I managed to navigate myself through by creating The Eco News, this is how it all began.

When did you first have the idea for The Eco News and what is the thinking behind it?

Sitting in my living room in the pandemic, not being able to leave, I thought: the planet is so important to us, and the pandemic is just an example of how careless we are towards it. I am still doing marketing – marketing is my background and this is where it all channels together as one.

Did it make perfect sense to start a newspaper about eco living and sustainable climate change in the current climate?

100 (and a million) percent! We need to look after our planet, I have always cared and loved nature but was too young to understand and learn from it. Now is my time to shine and do my part.

You’re based in East Anglia – do you find this part of the world receptive to what you are setting out to do?

Growing up in East Anglia played a huge part in what I do. It’s the countryside, and it’s got the wonderful county of Suffolk that everyone loves to escape to. I am always on the lookout for local businesses, making eco-friendly products. I want to work and support as many businesses as possible. The Eco News is stocked in some local farm shops: it is currently in Willow Tree Farm Shop in Glemsford and Ben and Ella’s Farm Shop, Baythorne End in Essex. I hope to be in more soon!

Where else in the world can people access The Eco News?

It is worldwide! For example, it has made its way – printed – to Canada, but I also promote it digitally, for easy download access and (of course) to save on printing. And there’s is also a kids’ version, full of fun activities.

Any plans for The Eco News you can share?

My hopes and dreams are to be worldwide, forever sharing these wonderful newspapers and to be bigger and better than The Sun, The Independent and so on! I think it’s important to read positive and happy news.

Visit The Eco News. The summer edition is out now.