Zero waste shops are not just a trend, they are lovely little shops that sell items a bit like the old scoop shops. You take a bag or bottle, then fill it up using a tare system (so you only pay for the goods, not packaging). Refill stations also means they are more affordable long-term than paying full price for more packaging.
If you run an independent shop, read up on which plants, seeds & flowers are toxic to pets (also important if you sell popular plantable cards). This way you can educate your customers too.
Each year, millions of tons of waste end up in our oceans and on landfills. And lovely zero waste shops are doing all they can to stop this, rather than the big stores that continue to sell everything in mostly disposable packaging.
Plastic is made from oil, so buying plastic items also supports the oil industry, which causes mass pollution and climate change. If the zero waste shop costs a bit more, simply buy better and buy less.
Take time to visit one. Zero waste shops are usually really relaxing to be in, all kitted out in natural decor and colours, and quiet (no piped music). You’ll also find interesting small brands you won’t find in the big stores.
Not just food and laundry powder, but most also stock reusable items like zero waste toothbrushes, reusable bottles and natural soaps.
Economic Benefits of Shopping Locally
When you support a local indie shop, you also bring more money into the economy, and create jobs that people can walk or cycle to work, rather than big-out-town retail parks. Be the change your want to see in the world!
Many zero waste shops even hold workshops, to help you become more sustainable. Get involved, these really are community shops. Not like big supermarkets that ride into town, bulldoze the small shops out of business, then ‘give back’ to communities via tokens.
How Do Zero Waste Shops Work?
Most use a tare ystem, so you can take your own paper bags or glass jars (all shops sell them if you forget). It’s your responsibility to ensure they are clean for your own safety, then you simply bring them back again when you need to fill up.
As prices are based on weight (and food is loose), you save money and avoid waste. It’s not good to buy too much flour (weevils) or spices (they lose flavour after a while). And if you are making a small curry, you are then not left with oodles of rice that will go out-of-date.
A Few Zero Waste Shops of Note
Pebble Magazine has a good list of zero waste shops in England, Wales and Scotland.
Earth. Food. Love (Devon) was England’s first zero waste shop, and the founder is also co-founder of ReRooted organic plant milks (sold in returnable glass bottles). The interesting story behind this shop is that it was founded by a former Manchester United footballer (and his wife). He says that if you told him he would have given up a lucrative career in his late 20s to become a shopkeeper, he never would have believed you!
The Clean Kilo (Birmingham) is England’s largest zero-waste supermarket. Situated in Bourneville, it’s beautifully fitted out with a deli, chilled plant milk dispensers and machines to make your own orange juice and peanut butter. Most food is organic from local artisan producers, bought in bulk to build strong relationships and good income for small suppliers. Even crisps arrive in packaging-free containers from nearby Staffordshire.
Zero Green (Bristol) not only sells zero waste staples. But if you have a coffee at their shop, you can eat the cup as it’s edible! It tastes a bit like a thick ice-cream cone and the drink will keep for around 40 minutes, before the ‘cup goes soggy’ (the paper sleeve holder is then recycled).
Incredible Bulk (Cornwall) delivers to several villages in this rural but fairly small county, so it’s likely the van will be visiting near you at some time or another.
