2 Stores that Make Earth Day Every Day
One of the many Zero-waste kits that Package Free Shop offers. Image via
If you’re looking to hop on the zero waste train, are already on board, or just want one of those reusable straws everyone’s been talking about, Package Free Shop is the place to go. ‘Zero waste’ refers to the increasingly trendy phenomenon of minimizing the massive amount of trash that is a byproduct of consumerism. It can involve at-home composting and shopping at bulk stores, but the largest push by the zero waste movement is to eliminate single use items. Think plastic water bottles, take-out containers, paper towels, shampoo bottles, etc. Single use items are everywhere and once you start to see them it’s difficult to stop noticing how much we rely on them in our daily lives. Although it is largely systemic change targeted at large corporations that we need to stop the progression of pollution and climate change, making individual lifestyle swaps can be influential in other ways. Intentionally searching for re-usable items shows companies that the public takes the environment seriously, helps small and local businesses, and can align your day-to-day practices with the values of environmentalism.
An easy place to start is to take a look at Package Free Shop. It is the online marketplace for sustainable and reusable everyday items. From shampoo, to dog toys, to vibrators, Package Free Shop has eco-friendly and reusable versions of all your must-have products sourced from companies that consciously make a positive environmental impact. The items are (usually) reasonably priced and they ship in completely recyclable packaging. Since Package Free Shop’s founding by zero-waste blogger Lauren Singer of Trash is for Tossers, the company estimates they have kept kept 4,025,600 plastic straws, 3,061,240 plastic bags, and 1,419,260 non-recyclable bottles and cups out of landfills. I personally own their string grocery bag, large metal straw, and two silicone sandwich bags I make frequent use of. 10/10 would recommend for those wanting to be more environmentally friendly in their daily lives but are not sure where to start or aren’t able to sacrifice convenience.
If you’re looking to do even more for the environment by cutting out shipping emissions, then Hyde Park residents should stop by Bonne Sante Health Foods on 53rd before placing an order at Package Free Shop. The store has been open for 35 years and sells a huge variety of specialty food items, herbal remedies, and eco-friendly home and beauty products, some even from local businesses! They also have a delicious juice bar and food menu. Basically, a one-stop-shop for vegans/vegetarians/zero wasters. I picked up a loofah and a shampoo bar and was severely tempted by the natural deodorants and makeup before I snapped out of my stupor. Please go get these things and allow me to live vicariously through you. Stop by on your way to Target, CVS, or Whole Foods and who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite eco-friendly product and support some local businesses too!
Featured image via.
