Have you been looking to revamp your household products to include more zero-waste items? It could be your personal care products, or you may be tired of the amount of plastic in your grocery cart. If you are feeling this way, you are not alone. A recent study found that 72% of respondents purchased more sustainable products than they were 5 years ago.
It may be hard to find a store dedicated to this shopping in some locations, but due to consumer demand and interest, these stores are rapidly popping up. And they are popping up everywhere, in Canada, the USA, Spain, the UK, Belgium, and Australia. Most can be found with a quick Google search, but we wanted to share our favourite stores in various places we have lived and visited. We are starting with our first edition set in Toronto, sustainability in the 6!
So, what exactly can you expect when you visit a sustainable or zero-waste store?
These stores have been created to help reduce waste. One way to do this is to reduce the packaging on produce and food items and utilize recyclable materials instead. Most products in these stores have been thoughtfully sourced to highlight local products and include vendors dedicated to fair-trade practices, organic, or sustainability.
Typically, if you go to a zero-waste grocery store, you can expect that it is standard practice to bring your container and bags. (If you forget, there are usually jars available to purchase.) These will be weighed before filling if you buy bulk goods like dry pasta, rice, flour, seasoning, or household items like laundry soap, shampoo, or conditioner. We typically call places that offer this a refillery! This is also an excellent name for searching for a zero-waste store near you! In addition to these items, you can often find other household necessities like sponges, scrub brushes, jars, and containers, and may also include a beauty section!
The process might feel different than your usual shop, but it is so enjoyable and rewarding to see what you can pick up and come home with much less plastic.
As for Toronto, here are a few of our faves!
Located in the Junction Neighbourhood of Toronto, this store offers various home and personal goods for sustainable living! You can find many gorgeous items for your kitchen, home, bath, beauty, and beyond at the pretty clean shop! This includes featured product categories Canadian Made, Women Owned, and Green on a Budget! This store has a refillery for home, health, and beauty items. Check it out in person if you’re in the area or online here!
Located in Beaconsfield Village Neighbourhood of Toronto, the Unboxed Market is Toronto’s first zero-waste grocery store. This shop has everything you can need, a true one-stop shop. It offers a Pantry, Deli, Meat and seafood, Fruits and vegetables, Dairy and eggs, Bread and baked Goods, and much more! Bring your containers to be weighed before filling them, or pay a deposit on containers available at the shop!
Located in Toronto’s Danforth neighbourhood, it offers an abundance of gorgeous zero-waste products in-store and online. It is a judgement-free shop for all at any point in their sustainable journey, offering products ranging from home and kitchen to Beauty to on-the-go! Be sure to check them out if you are in the east end!
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