Zero-waste shops help people live more sustainably by eliminating unnecessary packaging including single-use plastics. And, across the nation's capital – from Tooting Market to Belsize Park – there are now more places than ever to truly shop sustainably. Here are just some of the best zero-waste shops in London that will help you create a more package-free home.
BYO, Nunhead
This stylish zero-waste supermarket in southeast London has everything you've come to love and expect from your plastic-free shopping experience – buy bulk foods, including nuts, pulses and grains, as well as household goods and much much more. Bring a glass bottle to fill with specialist oils (argan oil, chilli olive oil, etc), stock up on dried fruits, vegan cheese, kombucha and even Cacao Pow natural deodorant. The spice wall is a particular favourite.
WHEN Tue, Thu, Fri: 9:30-18.00; Wed: 10:30-19.30, Sat: 9.00-18.00, Sun: 10:30-16:30
WHERE 147 Evelina Road, Peckham, London SE15 3HB
Bower Collective
If you’d rather have zero-waste products delivered straight to your door, try Bower Collective. We deliver all your personal care and household products in refillable and reusable pouches. Once used, send the pouches back to us in the provided pre-paid postal envelope. We will then clean and sterilise the pouches before refilling them with more product, ready for the next round of distribution. We also sell reusable dispensers in case you don't have your own. We are rated "Excellent" on Trustpilot and all new customers get 15% off their first order with the code WELCOME 15.
WHEN: We deliver zero-waste products to your door with carbon-neutral DPD couriers
Shop Bower Collective products here
Bulk Market
If you prefer to source bulk foods, then head down to Hackney, London, where Bulk Market boasts an impressive selection to choose from. And, if you’re looking for beauty items, then Bulk Market is also a treasure trove of DIY beauty ingredients, where you can make everything from facemasks to your own toothpaste. Recipes can be found on the Bulk Market website and products are delivered on Tuesdays and Fridays across London using zero carbon emissions.
WHEN Mon: closed, Tue-Fri: 12.00-19.00, Sat: 10.00-19.00, Sun: 11.00-17.00
WHERE Arch 6 Bohemia Place, E8 1DU, Hackney, London
See Bulk Market's website here
Unpackaged
You will find an Unpackaged section located within most Planet Organic stores, the UK's first fully certified organic supermarket. With a huge selection of cereals, grains and pulses to choose from, as well as household cleaning products, you will be spoiled for choice! Unpackaged also runs workshops to help guide and mentor anybody wanting to open their own eco-friendly store.
WHEN They are in about 9 stores all with different opening times
WHERE 9 different locations across London
Nought
Nought is in Southwark, just a stone’s throw from London Bridge. Inside the shop you will be able to stock up on a huge selection of dry goods, as well as essential toiletries like reusable makeup pads and deodorants. Run by King’s College London Students Union (KCLSU) they are open to all members of the public too.
WHEN Mon: closed, Tue-Thu: 11.30-19.00, Fri-Sat: 11.30-17.00, Sun: 11.30-16.00
WHERE Collingwood Street, London, SE1 9RT
Gather
Gather is located in Peckham, and is an eco-friendly store that provides so much more than food and toiletries. The business is also an integral part of the Peckham Community, and has book clubs and TerraCyle schemes, as well as working with campaigners for a Plastic Free Peckham.
WHEN Tue-Fri: 9.30-18.00, Sat: 9.30-17.00, Sun: 10-16.00
WHERE 121 Bellenden Road, Peckham, SE15 4QY
Get Loose Foods
Get Loose Foods is a zero-waste store based in Hackney City Farm, East London. They offer a huge range of products ranging from dried goods and fresh foods to toiletries and household cleaning supplies. Pop by Thursday to Sunday to grab your unhomogenised milk, raw butter and kefir!
WHEN Please refer to website for opening times.
WHERE Hackney City Farm, E2 8QA
See Get Loose Foods' website here
Zero
Zero is an independent store based in Wimbledon, and it’s dedicated to making a zero-waste lifestyle more accessible – just bring your own containers, stock up on supplies and you’ll be good to go. Overwhelmed by the choice? No worries, grab a Zero Waste Starter Kit and work your way through from there.
WHEN Tue-Sat: 10.30-18.30, Sun 11-17.00
WHERE Unit 201 Centre Court, Shopping Centre, Wimbledon, SW19 8YE