Christina and Alistair Hall, have just launched a brand-new online water lifestyle store to help support their chosen charity, the Marine Conservation Society.
Water makes up over 70% of our planet and husband and wife team hope their curated range of unique, high-quality products sourced by Aqua Living will help people have fun spending time on, in or near the water.
We decided to have a chat with them to find out more.
- Tell us more about Aqua Living?
Aqua Living is a new one-stop shop that has curated everything you and your family need to enjoy life by the sea.
Stocking big name marine and outdoor lifestyle brands such as Baltic, CamelBak, Intex, Jobe and OverBoard, AquaLiving.co.uk also offers a unique range of eco-friendly kids toys and re-fillable water bottles and is committed to environmental conservation, supporting marine charities including the UK Marine Conservation Society.
- What inspired you to set up the company?
We grew up on the South Coast of England and following the birth of our twin boys, quickly realised the need for practical, water-friendly and waterproof products when swimming, at the beach, on a boat, in the garden or just pottering around in the rain. We decided to open a store that provides quality lifestyle products for families spending time on or near the water.
- What is your typical day?
Working out of a small warehouse in Chichester, most days start with a frenzy of activity getting our two boys ready for school. I tend to check social media and emails whilst at home and on the move, and then I head to the office to work through a long to-do list which consists of marketing, PR, finance, office administration, HR and logistical tasks.
- Why is environmental conservation so important to you?
Growing up by the coast, we have always loved the great outdoors and we are keen to support marine and environmental conservation to help preserve our seas and wildlife for future generations. It’s great to see our children interested to learn about wildlife and marine conservation – we have been to the Chichester Harbour Conservancy crabbing day at Dell Quay and recently took part in the Marine Conservation Society’s 25th Great British Beach Clean with the Final Straw Solent at Hayling Island Beach.
- What’s your top tip to help save our seas?
Aqua Living Sea Saving Steps:
Step 1
Get rid of single-use plastic bottles and buy a re-fillable water bottle so that next time you head out for the day you can take your own water with you and cut down on plastic waste. Check out our range of CamelBak and Aladdin water bottles.
Step 2
Ditch disposable coffee cups and buy a travel mug for that morning coffee at work, meeting friends or to keep your drinks hot whilst on the move. We recommend the compact new Latte LeakLock mug from Aladdin to help reduce the 2.1 billion single-use coffee cups which end up in UK landfills each year!
Step 3
Invest in quality over quantity and purchase an OverBoard waterproof bag for your everyday essentials and valuables. Buying a high quality, waterproof, lightweight, comfortable bag should mean that you don’t have to replace it every few years, therefore increasing its lifetime value and providing cost savings in the long term.
Step 4
Spread the word about shopping for eco-friendly products and buy recycled kids toys when gifting for birthdays, family celebrations or at Christmas. We suggest giving something made from 100% recycled plastic such as the awesome range of colourful, durable, fun toys which we love from Green Toys – made from recycled milk jugs!
- What is your favourite beach to visit with the family and why?
Living so close to Chichester Harbour we are spoilt for choice, with several amazing beaches to visit. Our favourite beach is West Wittering Beach, which offers wonderful views of Chichester Harbour and over the Solent to the Isle of Wight. The highest water quality and excellent facilities have made it one of the premier Blue Flag beaches in the country. It’s an excellent spot for a family day out, water sports such as windsurfing and kite-surfing or picnics and seaside strolls. The area is also internationally recognised for its flora and fauna and nearby East Head, which is home to seals and skylarks.
- If you were stranded on a desert island, what are the three things you couldn’t live without?
My family, a Jobe paddle board and water!