These innovative zero waste shops are just a handful of those around the world that are really making a difference, in how we shop. Zero waste shops tend to be a bit like the old scoop shops, but a lot more modern. You basically take your own cartons (or use ones sold in the stores) and then fill up. Most are beautifully designed and sell everything from food (nuts, lentils) to biodegradable washing powder to zero waste toothbrushes and cleaning cloths. There seems to be one popping up in most towns these days, so please do support them. Pebble has a more extensive list of 100 good zero waste shops across the UK.
- Earth Food Love was England’s first zero waste shop. It was set up by an ex-Manchester United footballer, who got bored and decided to become a shopkeeper instead. He has also just set up England’s first plant-milk delivery service (in glass bottles) with plans to go nationwide.
- The Kind Store is an online zero waste shop that sells a wide range of zero waste essentials from over 100 indie brands. All parcels are posted plastic-free, everything is vegan, and 10% of profits go to Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary.
- Zero Waste Bulk Foods is another online store. This time you send them your reusable fabric bags, they fill up what you want, and then send them back to you, with your name attached.
- Zero Waste Club sell the basic essentials on subscriptions like bamboo toothbrushes and plastic-free razors. The founders have a useful post on how to start your own zero waste shop.
- The Clean Kilo is the UK’s largest zero waste shop, a zero waste supermarket in the large city of Birmingham. It sells most items you would expect to see in a supermarket, but in bulk containers, so no need for extra packaging. It also runs a consultancy service.
- The Zero Shop is just one of many zero waste shops in London. This one in Wimbledon is an independent shop, with all items sold in bulk or without disposable packaging, mostly from organic and Fair Trade and often local producers.
- Incredible Bulk is based in Cornwall. What’s different here is that it operates from a van, so can take its zero waste goodies to several rural areas across the county.
- Package Free Shop (New York) is currently online but has a retail store, when COVID ends. This was set up by the popular blogger at Trash is for Tossers.