It’s rare that you walk down the road nowadays without seeing at least one piece of plastic lying discarded in the street. That kind of plastic pollution is highly visible, but there’s a much bigger invisible problem. Because even when that bottle or packet is put in the bin, it doesn’t disappear. 

Did you know that a single-use plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to decompose? Or that the UK litters around 700,000 plastic bottles daily? 

It may seem like plastic is unavoidable in today’s world, but there are some really simple steps you can take to cut back. And our absolute favourite one is giving zero-waste shopping a go! 

Read on to find out more about what zero-waste (also known as refill) shops are all about, what to expect on your first trip and a round-up of some of the best zero-waste stores in London. 

So, What Exactly Are Zero Waste Shops? 

These usually independent stores sell unpackaged products ranging from pantry cupboard staples and sweets to personal care items and cleaning supplies. Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable containers and refill them from the store’s bulk containers, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to live a bit more consciously. 

In recent years, the trend towards zero-waste shopping has grown in popularity, as more people look for ways to live more sustainably. 

What Do They Sell? 

Each zero-waste store is a bit different, but generally, you can expect to find goods such as: 

Cupboard staples – pasta, rice, oats, lentils, nuts, seeds, cereals 

Sweet treats – chocolate, sweets, crisps 

Dried fruits – dates, dried apricots, figs, coconut chips 

Spices and herbs 

Cleaning products – laundry detergent, washing up liquid and bathroom cleaners 

Toiletries – toothpaste, bamboo toothbrushes, soap and shampoo 

Isn’t It More Expensive Than Just Going To The Grocery Store? 

In our opinion, this is a bit of a myth. There are plenty of products which are actually much cheaper than you’ll find in most supermarkets – spices and herbs for example. Most of the products zero-waste stores stock are organic, fair trade or made more sustainably with natural ingredients and the price you pay for them is usually in line with the equivalent price for that quality in a supermarket. 

FInally, as well as being better for the planet, the other significant benefit is you can choose the exact amount you want to buy, leading to less waste and keeping more pennies in your pocket!