If you want to buy essentials at affordable prices without worrying about plastic waste, zero-waste stores will help you live a more sustainable lifestyle. In these shops you can find everything from loose tea, sweets, and herbs and spices, to pulses and dried fruits. There are also plenty of other food products, plus toiletries and beauty essentials too. Zero-waste stores all encourage plastic-free shopping, so make sure you bring your own bags and containers.
Here is a selection of some popular zero-waste shops in Bristol to check out on your next shopping trip to the city.
Nom Wholefoods
Operating online, Nom Wholefoods is the perfect way to stock up on your zero-waste supplies without having to leave your house! Just place your order via the website and they will deliver it to you on a Thursday or Friday, alternatively you can click and collect on Mondays.
Nom offers a huge range of dried goods as well as products from independent suppliers across Bristol, such as Gingerbread Preserves and Bristol Wax Food Wraps.
WHEN Delivers Thu and Fri; Click & Collect on Mon
WHERE 25 Symington Rd, Bristol BS16 2LN
See Nom Wholefoods' website here
Bower Collective
Bower Collective delivers your favourite products and household items in refill pouches. From the store to your doorstep in one speedy delivery, we prioritise a sustainable shopping experience that is rated "Excellent" on Trustpilot. Simply send back your unwanted pouches using our pre-paid envelope and we recycle them with our specialist partner. For those of you with storage in mind, also check out our new reusable dispenser. On your first order don't forget to use the code WELCOME 15 for 15% off.
WHEN: We favour sustainable shipping of all of our products and are proud to say that all of our items are delivered by carbon-neutral DPD couriers.
Shop Bower Collective products here
Scoop Wholefoods
Scoop Wholefoods, on Whiteladies Road, has everything and anything you need to kickstart your zero-waste mission! From charcoal- and naturally filtered water to dried goods and spices, there is something for everyone. There is a whole section dedicated to vegan alternatives too – simply bring a jar (or buy one of their own) and make your own vegan salty peanut or chocolate butter!
WHEN Mon-Fri: 09.30-18.30, Sat: 09.00-18.00, Sun: 10.00-16.00
WHERE 98A Whiteladies Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2QY
Visit the Scoop Wholefoods website here
Zero Green
Located on North Street since March 2018, it's been full steam ahead for Lidia, Stacey and the rest of the team. Zero Green encourages the people of Bristol to lead more eco-conscious lives by offering affordable ranges of spices, toiletries and dried goods, as well as a selection of fresh produce. Check out the ‘Hydration Station’ where you can bulk-buy kombucha and other beverages.
WHEN Tue-Sat: 10.00-17.00, Sun: 11.00-16.00
WHERE 80 North St, Southville, Bristol BS3 1HJ
Smaller Footprints
Smaller Footprints tackles the issue of plastic waste by offering plenty of dried goods, toiletries and preserves, available to bulk buy and place in your own containers or use ones bought at the store. Located in Clifton, Smaller Footprints also boasts an impressive range of cleaning products, as well as refillable oils.
WHEN Mon-Tue 10.00-16.00, Thu 10.00-18.00, Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat 10.00-17.00, Sun 11.00-16.00
WHERE 9 Regent St, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4HW
See Smaller Footprints' website here
Preserve Foods
Preserve Foods on Gloucester Road is a go-to shop for all your zero-waste needs. Following an ‘organic, sustainable, affordable’ philosophy, it offers a huge selection of package-free products, as well as cleaning products and toiletries. It also has options for refillable milk, as well as fresh nut butters. Be sure to check out the range of refillable oils and spices too.
WHEN Mon-Fri 9.30-18.00, Sat 9.00-17.30, Sun 11.00-16.00
WHERE 208 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NU
Visit Preserve Foods' website here
Matter
Visit Matter Wholefoods on Greenbank Road for a wealth of dried and fresh products. Matter stocks a huge variety of plant-based alternatives, such as vegan meats and cheeses, and vegetarian-friendly options too. Toiletries and other environmentally conscious health products are available, as well as cleaning supplies. There is also a subscription service where you can get fresh fruit and vegetables delivered to your doorstep.
WHEN Mon-Thu 10.00-21.00, Fri-Sat 10.00-19.30, Sun 11.0-19.30
WHERE 1-3 Greenbank Rd, Greenbank, Bristol BS5 6EZ
Harvest
Harvest is a Bristol-based cooperative that collaborates with other local suppliers to create a one-stop shop for ethically sourced and environmentally friendly shopping. All products are GM free and vegan/vegetarian. Harvest also has a huge range of bulk-buying options, such as grains, pulses and flour, as well as skincare, baby products and other toiletries.
WHEN Mon-Fri 10.00-18.00, Sat 10.00-17.30
WHERE 11 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8AA
With plenty of choice in the city, there's no excuse not to get involved with zero-waste shopping. And, as a bonus tip for students, check out the Bristol SU zero-waste shop on the ground floor of the Richmond building, next to the Balloon Bar. This was opened in 2021 and is hoping to be a permanent fixture.