5 zero waste stores in Hong Kong to help you lead a green, eco-friendly lifestyle
Do your bit for the environment when you shop: buy food in bulk, and avoid single-use plastic packaging
Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department predicts the city’s landfills will hit maximum capacity by next year, leaving us no choice but to reduce the amount of waste we produce. If you’re looking to get a head start on adopting a zero-waste lifestyle, there are plenty of shops around the city that can help you do so.
Next time you need to buy groceries, why not check out one of these five shops:
S.E.E.D. (Saving the Earth Every Day)
S.E.E.D. is a bulk food store in Sai Kung that offers a range of grains and nuts, as well as bathroom supplies, at relatively affordable prices. Many people are hesitant to switch to a greener lifestyle because they think it is too expensive, but Nicole, the store manager says, “It doesn’t have to cost you much to live a less wasteful life.” You can take one of the collection of used glass jars to fill up with products (and they take donations, too!), should you forget your own.
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Plastic Free Hong Kong
Show your support for natural ingredients by shopping at this online store. They have a wide variety of products that will help you sustain a life free of plastic, and it’s a great place to start if you’re new to the zero-waste community. Your products will be delivered to your address packaged in sustainable materials, or you can pick them up yourself at The Hive in Sai Kung.
Edgar
While the range of vegan and organic products at this Wan Chai-based store is imported from Europe, Raphaël De Ry, the founder, goes the extra mile to make sure all his products are free of packaging or are wrapped in biodegradable materials. A large part of the store is dedicated to freeze-dried foods, which make for tasty and healthy snacks. As well as food, there’s a range of reusable kitchen supplies, such as beeswax cloth wrap, made by local environmentalist Kimi Chan, to replace single-use cling film.
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Live Zero
Live Zero is Hong Kong’s first zero-waste bulk food store. The shop, in Sai Ying Pun, has everything from reusable containers to plastic-free make-up and solid shampoo bars, to help you achieve a zero-waste lifestyle. Shop owner Tamsin Thornburrow has taken into consideration how tricky it can be for sweets-lovers to avoid waste, so you can find vegan brownie mix and ice cream in jars.
If you find their wide selection a bit overwhelming, go straight for their ultimate zero-waste starter kit, which includes a bamboo tooth brush, metal straw, and reusable cup. The kit also makes a great gift to encourage your friends to join your eco-conscious efforts.
Slowood
The Sai Wan shop offers good deals for a green lifestyle, including household and skincare products, while also highlighting the importance of minimising food-related waste. With your canvas tote bag at the ready, you can buy grocery food in bulk, helping local producers and minimising over-packaged products. Before you leave, be sure to grab a cup of coffee from the cafe!