Are Zero Waste Stores the Future of Shopping?

Summary

Megan introduces Restore, a zero-waste store in Hackney Downs offering package-free food and cleaning products. Customers can refill their containers or use the store's packaging, promoting a closed-loop system. The store aims to raise awareness about plastic pollution and sustainable, ethical products. Megan discusses the challenges and future of UK supermarkets in reducing plastic use, advocating for refill and reuse solutions and the importance of independent stores coexisting with supermarkets to encourage a collective shift towards sustainability.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Megan introduces Restore, a zero-waste store offering refill and package-free food and cleaning products.
• 🛍️ Customers can bring their own containers or use in-store packaging to refill items like oats, rice, and pasta.
• 🧴 The store provides a range of plastic-free and sustainable bathroom and beauty products.
• 📍 Restore has been operating in Hackney Downs for nearly four years.
• 🔄 The concept of zero waste can be intimidating, but Restore encourages everyone to start their journey towards it, not just the already committed.
• 📦 Products are received in bulk packaging, reducing waste, and customers can scoop their desired amounts into personal containers.
• ♻️ Restore's ideal scenario involves suppliers delivering in reusable tubs, creating a closed-loop system where tubs are refilled and reused.
• 💡 The store aims to raise awareness about plastic pollution and the importance of sustainable and ethical product ingredients.
• 🛒 UK supermarkets are slowly adopting refill and reuse solutions, with customers increasingly demanding such options.
• 🚫 Recent bans on plastic items have not yet extended to supermarket pre-packaged salads and other high-volume items, indicating a need for further regulation.
• 📦 While switching to paper can be resource-intensive, Restore encourages customers to bring their own packaging to promote reuse.
• 🔮 Megan predicts a future where package-free options are common in food stores, with both supermarkets and independent stores coexisting and thriving in this new market.

Q & A

What is Restore and what does it offer?

Restore is a zero-waste refill shop that sells package-free food and cleaning products. Customers can bring their own containers or use packaging provided by the store to refill items like oats, rice, pasta, cleaning products, and personal care products. The store also offers a range of plastic-free and sustainable bathroom and beauty products.

How long has Restore been operating in Hackney Downs?

Restore has been operating in Hackney Downs for almost four years.

What is the concept of zero waste according to Restore?

The concept of zero waste aims to minimize waste as much as possible. Restore encourages people to strive towards zero waste by refilling products and reducing plastic use. It emphasizes that you don't need to be completely zero waste to start participating in this effort.

How does Restore receive and distribute its products?

Restore receives products in bulk packaging, such as large paper sacks for items like oats, or in reusable tubs for liquids like cleaning products. Customers can bring their own containers to refill as much or as little as they need. Some suppliers provide products in tubs that are picked up, washed, and reused, creating a closed-loop system.

What additional role does Restore play besides selling products?

Besides selling products, Restore raises awareness about plastic pollution, harmful ingredients in products, and the importance of sustainability and ethics in product choices. They aim to educate the community about these issues.

What recent regulation related to plastic use does Restore comment on?

Restore mentions the recent ban on plastic cutlery and serve ware in the UK, noting that it has not extended to pre-packaged salads in supermarkets, which remains a significant area for improvement.

How are UK supermarkets responding to the demand for refill and reuse solutions?

UK supermarkets are increasingly recognizing the importance of refill and reuse solutions due to customer demand. Although they might approach it differently, they are all working towards reducing plastic use.

What is Restore's stance on switching from plastic to paper packaging?

Restore advises caution when switching from plastic to paper because paper can be resource-intensive to produce. They encourage reuse of existing packaging, such as using jam jars or old takeaway tubs, rather than relying on new paper bags.

What is the predicted future of package-free options in stores according to Restore?

Restore predicts that most food-selling stores will eventually offer some kind of package-free option, with both supermarkets and independent stores coexisting. They hope that both types of stores will thrive and move forward with refill and reuse solutions, as supermarkets serve the majority of the population.

Why does Restore believe it is important for both supermarkets and independent stores to offer refill options?

Restore believes it is important for both supermarkets and independent stores to offer refill options because supermarkets serve most of the country and therefore have a significant impact on reducing plastic use. At the same time, independent stores play a crucial role in pioneering and promoting sustainable practices within their communities.