Want to rethink the way you shop? Interested in doing your bit for the planet by reducing your waste consumption? Then you’ve come to the right place! With the rise of zero-waste shops popping up left, right and centre, we thought we’d narrow it down to 13 of the best zero-waste shops in the UK that offer foods in bulk with absolutely no plastic. Time to order those Kilner jars!
Charlotte’s Cupboard, Sussex
Operating in Sussex, Charlotte’s Cupboard is a “Shop on wheels” delivering plastic and package free groceries to your home! As well as deliveries, they also do stationary pop-ups where they will park their zero-emissions electric van (named Peggy) for the day so you can come to them! Their handy calendar on their website states where they’ll be on what day and currently, they operate around Burgess Hill, Brighton, Cuckfield, Forest Row, Hassocks and Lewes. All you have to do is remember to bring your own containers!
https://www.charlottescupboard.com
Earth.Food.Love, Totnes
Earth. Food. Love in Totnes, Devon was founded by partners in crime (and in love!) Nicola and Richard and is an organic, whole food, zero-waste shop passionate about providing good food that doesn’t cost the earth. They also work with Ecotricity who is a company committed to clean, renewable energy to produce their energy resources. Double points for these guys!
http://thezerowasteshop.co.uk
The Clean Kilo, Birmingham
A huge shop dedicated to zero-waste grocery shopping, The Clean Kilo in Birmingham stock a wide variety of fruit and veg, grains, nuts, condiments, toiletries and much more! If you live in the area, you need to make this your weekly shop-stop!
https://www.thecleankilo.co.uk
Preserve Foods, Bristol
Dedicated to working only with ethical suppliers, Preserve Foods, is a much-loved, zero-waste shop in Bristol. Offering mainly organic and vegan whole foods, they also have their very own nut butter and mylk machine in-house so you can make your own blends!
http://www.preservefoods.co.uk
Refill Store, Truro, Cornwall
Refill Store is on a mission to inspire people to significantly reduce their waste and shop more consciously. Their adorable shop in Truro, Cornwall sells herbs, dried fruit, pulses, grains, pastas coffees and loose tea as well as body and dental care and household cleaning products. Stop by when you’re next in town!
https://www.therefillstore.co.uk
Hetu, South London
South Londoners, rejoice! Hetu needs to be on your hit list if you’re looking for a vegan, zero-waste shop to stock up on goodies! Hot on sustainability and passionate about benefiting not only your health but the planet’s too, we can’t think of a better place to start reducing your footprint on the planet.
http://www.hetu.co.uk
Incredible Bulk, Cornwall
Founded by husband and wife duo Jack and Gemma, Incredible Bulk (love the name!) is a mobile, zero-waste shop operating at various locations around Cornwall. Stocking store-cupboard essentials, they are proud to offer a more sustainable and ethical way to shop.
https://www.mobilezerowasteshop.co.uk
Harmless, North London
A small store with a big message, Harmless in Wood Green is constantly encouraging their community to come together and make positive changes to help protect our planet. Stocking pantry staples like rice, oats, pasta and pulses as well as hygiene items, they are committed to providing produce from environmentally responsible producers only.
https://www.harmlessstore.co.uk
Natural Weigh, Powys, Wales
Wales has its very own zero-waste store and it’s safe to say it’s been a hit with the locals. Selling grains, seeds, cereals, snacks and much more, their shop was fitted out using mostly recycled timber, scaffold boards and machine pallets, which goes to show just how serious they are about living less wastefully. Prince Charles even made a visit whilst visiting Wales!
https://naturalweigh.co.uk
Wastenot, Brighton
Brighton’s Wastenot store sells a plethora of groceries and household items to help you on your way to drastically reducing your waste. From bamboo cutlery sets, steel lunch boxes and even reusable bamboo fibre makeup remover pads (we’ve never seen these before!) they also offer deliveries for those who prefer online shopping.
https://wastenot.shop
Happy Planet Green Store, Pembrokeshire
Loved by Venetia Falconer, Happy Planet Green Store situated in Narberth in Pembrokeshire stocks organic groceries, toiletries and cleaning supplies, all without the use of single-use plastic. Simply bring your own jars and stock up on your pantry faves.
https://www.facebook.com/happyplanetgreenstore/
Jarfull, Harrogate, Yorkshire
Serving the pretty town of Harrogate and the surrounding areas in a series of pop-ups, Jarfull serves a small but well-stocked selection of grains, nuts, dried fruit and body care for those wishing to live more planet consciously. Order online or keep checking their website for updates on their next location.
https://www.jarfulluk.com
Plastic Free Pantry, Online
Taking action against plastic, Plastic Free Pantry is a solely online platform and offers a huge selection of kitchen staples. They also offer 10% off your order if you pick up 10 pieces of litter and share it on social media using the hashtag, #pfp10for10.
https://plasticfreepantry.co.uk
words by Molly Jennings