Anna Bullus of Gumdrop

At the very mention of eco-anything, my heart has the tendency to sink a little. Sure, I know we’re all meant to be saving the planet, but is it just me or is all this (very admirable) ‘green talk’ a little, well…dullsville?

All hail Anna Bullus, creator of chewing-gum recycling company Gumdrop, whose latest hot pink venture is changing recycling as we know it. I caught up with her to find out what she plans on doing with our used chewing gum and where to find the best Scotch eggs in town.

Tell us about Gumdrop – are you really recycling chewing gum?

‘Yes! Gumdrop is based around a new plastic made from recycled chewing gum which we use to make bins to collect gum from the public. The concept in a nutshell is that bright pink Gumdrops go up and once they’re full the whole thing gets recycled. You can make three new bins from one full one – we’re effectively giving gum a second life. And the really exciting part is that you can make any plastic product out of recycled chewing gum. I want to wear the first pink Gumdrop welly boots!’

Why did you form Gumdrop?

‘Three reasons really. At the time of starting Gumdrop I was looking into recycling as I was really interested in it from the ecological point of view. Secondly, chewing gum litter is not only a massive problem in the UK but it’s also a big global issue, so the scale of the problem caught my attention too. I was also keen to become involved with something I could develop over a long period of time, into a proper project. My hope is that it ends up everywhere you find chewing gum problems, as a recognisable brand globally.’

Is there anywhere you particularly want to clear up?

‘I’d love to clear up London, because it’s my hometown and I care about it – I want it to look beautiful and clean.’

Whereabouts in London do you live and what do you love about it?

‘I live in Sands End, Fulham, which is actually relatively litter-free. I’m borderline obsessed with the Scotch eggs at my local pub, The Sands End. They are quite amazing and I can’t recommend them highly enough! I also love the fact there’s a 24-hour shop super close by and the massive Sainsbury’s at the end of my road. It feels quite villagey in a way, plus it’s easy to get out of London when you need to and it’s near water. Oh and we have a garden, hallelujah!’

If you had one day left in London, where would you spend it?

‘I’d start with breakfast at The Wolseley – scrambled eggs, salmon and champagne – and, weather permitting, I’d head to Hyde Park for a row on the Serpentine. I’d have lunch at Brunswick house in Vauxhall and have a good old snoop around there then head to Borough market to stock up on food. If I had time, I’d sneak in a spot of second-hand shopping in Shoreditch and a drink at The Poet inn.

‘One thing I’ve never done in London is go to Fabric, so I think that would have to feature too – perhaps after drinks at The Piano Bar on High Street Kensington, where I’d request Dashboard Light by Meatloaf and Lola by The Kinks. As it’s my last day in London I’d probably squeeze in a blow-dry at Aveda in Covent Garden along the way too – how’s that for jam-packed?!’

Where’s your favourite place to grab a bite to eat in London?

‘I like The Bluebird café on The Kings Road and I love Japanese food, so Itsu is always a winner for me.’

Where do you go to feel inspired?

‘Exhibitions. I really recommend seeing the Tate Modern’s Sunflowers by Ai Weiwei, it’s incredible. I also love The Design Museum too, and the White Cube in Hoxton Square is brilliant too. I always feel strangely inspired on London transport, your brain is constantly engaged and given things to look at. Buses in particular – you see such interesting things. I also love Daunts Book shop on Marylebone High St and Liberty’s fabric section always fills me with ideas, as well as Designer’s Guild.’

We’re guessing you’re a bus gal rather than tube?

‘Definitely. The bus simulates your mind! Plus you can take phone calls and Google things.’

Where’s your favourite place to relax?

‘In green areas – parks. I love Primrose Hill and Bushy Park, Teddington. When it’s sunny, I head straight to the water and make a beeline for the nearest canal boat. I also always have fun at the dogs in Wimbledon too. You can’t not have fun there, even if you lose money.’

Good date venue?

‘Ronnie Scott’s – amazing.’

Favourite pub in London?

‘The Poet in Shoreditch, it’s very old-mannish but it has a real charm to it. Obviously The Sands End for it’s amazing Scotch eggs, but also Bourne & Hollingsworth where you can drink cocktails in teacups. I often cycle past The Sporting Page in Chelsea on the way into town and I always want to go inside, especially on summer evenings when everyone is lolling about, looking very cheerful and relaxed.’

When is London at its best?

‘I know it should be summer but I’m a winter person. I love being cosy and wearing wellies and my bright pink Macintosh. Being in a warm pub somewhere by a log fire, or cosying up in The Electric Cinema all toasty, is my idea of heaven.’

Anna is launching Gumdrop in the UK next month. Follow Gumdrop on Twitter @GUMDROPLTD