Physical Supermarkets
Zero waste shopping
So you have avoided plastic in your own personal use; glass jars, reusable cotton tote bag and refillable containers in hand - where do you go to purchase bulk foods, coffee and detergent?
Here are two great guides to bulk, zero waste, refill shops in across UK:
Plastic free shopping: 41 of the UK's best zero waste stores
Local packaging-free shops and zero waste projects across the UK
Planet Organic
Planet Organic was the very first store to be certified by the Soil Association. 100% organic fruit, vegetables, bread, beers, wines, spirits, juice bars, coffee bars, kitchens and cafés. No processed foods, hydrogenated fats or genetically modified foods.
Planet Organic have seven physical supermarkets across London. They said goodbye to plastic bags years ago, and use fully recycled paper bags for grocery shopping. Food containers in their café are made from bagasse, a sugar cane waste material and even the take-away coffee cup lids are compostable.
Wholefoods Market
“Living well begins with eating well”
Originating in the US, Wholefoods offers a range of fresh, frozen and bulk foods - as well as a range of beauty products. There are no artificial flavours, colours, preservatives or sweeteners in any of their food.
Visit Wholefoods to bulk-buy grains, pulses, nuts, dried fruit, cereals; create your own nut butter; and choose on-the-go hot or cold food. Some London stores even offer vegan cooking demonstrations.
Back in 2008, they were also the first US supermarket to eliminate plastic bags.