Research - Zero Waste stores

Zero waste stores are stores which sell food/toiletries/ products without the plastic packaging that they normally come in. Stores are based on the Zero Waste philosophy: The goal is for no trash to be sent to landfills, incinerators, or the ocean. 

Encouraging customers to reuse old pots/jars/bags to collect and store their purchases from the store, the premise is to reduce the amount of plastic packaging, in particular single use plastics. The stores sometimes even sell jars and containers themselves, further promoting their belief in non-plastic alternatives.

Products at zero waste stores are stored in bulk, in containers. Customers weigh the produce they need and pay for what they take, and take it away in containers they already own. 

This couple have set up the UK's first zero waste shop called Earth.Food.Love in Totnes, Devon.

 "In setting up a zero waste shop, you are creating such a huge shift in the way people shop that you are directly influencing positive change, and for that, you should be proud. Remember that is only takes one person to make one change, and the ripple will be felt through the entire ocean."

In London, Unpackaged is a popular zero waste store, despite a slow struggle to start with. They have concessions in 8 stores around London and the UK, and work with some big brands to reduce their plastic use.