Packaging is out of control! I always bring reusable bags when shopping and try to buy things packaged in sustainable materials, but sometimes throwing out a big pile of plastic packaging is unavoidable.
However, there are many stores out there dedicated to reducing the amount of plastic waste that these packages create. They offer a wide range of products, from groceries to cleaning supplies and even diapers, with plastic free shopping, carbon neutral shipping, and a place where bottles are filled with different products. Several also have online shopping options, from groceries to everyday essentials like soap, detergents, shampoos, and lotions.
Many shops also offer great incentives, with discounts, if a customer brings their container or bottle. Making small changes like this can create a healthier and more sustainable planet.
Zero Waste Shops in Manhattan
Grocery Stores
The Fourth Street Co-Op: Small, Co-Op shop between 2nd and Bowery has a wide variety of dry goods, produce, tofu, and cleaning supplies without packaging. The Co-Op is small and not profit-based, keeping prices affordable while giving back to the community.
What is their address? 58 East 4th Street
Do they have an online store? Online ordering is not available. Their website has a list of items that may be outdated.
What are their opening hours? Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 12 pm - 8 pm, Wednesday: 4 pm - 8 pm, Saturday: 1 pm - 6 pm, Sunday: 12 pm - 7 pm
Soaps and Cleaning Supplies
A Sustainable Village: This shop sells bulk soaps, laundry detergents, shampoo and conditioner, and products like reusable containers and packages that help customers live a more zero-waste lifestyle. They also have materials and other resources to help people reduce the amount of waste they produce.
What is their address? 318 East 9th Street
Do they have an online store? Yes! Even their bulk soaps are available for purchase online.
What are their opening hours? Monday - Thursday: 12 pm - 5 pm, Friday - Saturday: 12 pm - 6 pm, Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm
Common Good & Co: This company makes home and personal cleaning products that are non-toxic and sustainable. They have stations all over the city in different stores and shops. They also sell sets to help customers reduce waste.
What is their address? They don't have a store but have refill stations in different parts of New York. Click here to see them.
Do they have an online store? Not only do they have an online store, but they will ship reusable containers and have a policy of reducing waste as much as possible.
What are their opening hours? Check individual stores for opening hours.
Fountain House + Body: With a wide variety of cleaning products and hand-made soaps, Fountain House + Body encourages customers to bring their containers with a 50% discount on their refill soaps and products. They also have a goal of helping people in the community suffering from mental illness, which is a big plus.
What is their address? 105 Thompson Street (Between Prince and Spring)
Do they have an online store? Yes they do, but refills have to be done in-store.
What are their opening hours? Monday - Friday: 10 am - 8 pm, Saturday - Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
Zero Waste Shops in Brooklyn
Dry Goods and Bulk Foods
Maison Jar: has a wide range of products chosen specifically for their low impact on the environment and fair trade products. They also source as much as they can locally, which further reduces their carbon footprint.
What is their address? 566 Leonard St, Brooklyn
Do they have an online store? No, but their website has a list of products offered.
What are their opening hours? Monday - Friday: 11 am - 8 pm, Saturday - Sunday: 10 am - 8 pm
Precycle: A bulk store with a zero-waste philosophy that even delivers. They also label where the products come from and sell local produce without packaging. They even provide reusable containers that are washed and reused in future orders.
What is their address? 50 Cypress Ave, Brooklyn
Do they have an online store? Yes they do, and shopping online is also zero-waste.
What are their opening hours? Every day 11 am - 8 pm
Cleaning Supplies and Household Products
La Nature: They have a refillery with many household and personal care products. They also try to provide as many zero waste products as possible.
What is their address? 233 5th Ave, Brooklyn
Do they have an online store? Yes they do, and the products have more sustainable packaging.
What are their opening hours? Tuesday - Friday: 12 pm - 7 pm, Saturday: 11 am - 7 pm, Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm
The Bronx and Queens
EcoBronx: Currently operating as an online store and a vehicle that appears at different events, EcoBronx has refills and other zero and low waste products.
What is their address? They do not have a store yet, but information about their mobile location can be found here.
Do they have an online store? Yes, they primarily operate online at the moment.
What are their opening hours? Information for events and their mobile location can be found here.
Earth & Me: With home cleaning and personal care products, Earth & Me is Queens' first low and zero waste store. They have two locations, both located in Astoria. They also have a happy hour on Tuesday from 12 pm - 7 pm, with 20% off refills.
What is their address? 30-38 Steinway Street, Astoria, Queens[Text Wrapping Break]23-71 31st Street, Astoria, Queens
Do they have an online store? Yes, and they deliver to Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.
What are their opening hours? Both locations: Tuesday - Friday: 12 pm - 7 pm, Saturday: 11 am - 7 pm, Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm
Honorable Mention: Diaper Services
Diaperkind: an online diaper service, Diaperkind will deliver clean diapers and pickup soiled ones.
Going Zero Waste Is a Journey
Although more companies today say they are acting more sustainably, they still generate a lot of waste and don't necessarily act sustainability. However, the ones listed above are committed to working towards a sustainable future and want to help mitigate humans' damage to the planet—one small change at a time.
The world will only benefit if we continue to reduce what we consume, reuse what we can, and recycle the rest.