Re:Store: How To Shop Zero Waste

Looking to reduce your shopping footprint? Going into a zero waste or refill shop for the first time can be a little daunting, but after one visit you'll be hooked - planet and wallet friendly and fun!

Here are a some tips from resident Megan of Re:Store, along with some recipes ideas to utilise ingredients bought in store.

Use reusable cotton bags.

From experience, lugging 10 different glass jars and bottles on public transport isn't fun, so get yourself some cotton produce bags in a few different sizes. You then fill these up with your goodies at the store, and when you get home you can decant them in to a jar, pot, Tupperware or just leave them in the bag! Alternatively just choose light containers you already have at home.

Arrive at the store prepared and with the right equipment.

It's true that you will need to do a little forward planning to make sure you have your containers on you when you head to your nearest zero waste or refill shop. However, if you choose light containers and produce bags these are easy to stuff in your backpack before you head off for the day. Most zero waste shops do offer brown paper bags if you do forget, but do try to remember your containers next time!

Hold on to your containers.

Start hanging on to containers when you get the end of the product, so you can use it to refill with the product in a zero waste store. You'll be very happy when you realise that you can re-use those little jars your herbs and spices come in forever, and refill at a steal compared to the supermarkets!

Don't be afraid to ask!

Zero waste shops tend to follow a similar formula where you weigh your own container, write the weight on the container, fill it up, and then bring it to the till. The staff then will weigh your container, deduct the weight of the container and you pay. However, some stores do work in slightly different ways, so if there aren't any clear signs then don't be afraid to ask!

Need inspiration on how to utilise some of the ingredients bought in store? Read recipe ideas on Re:Store.

Re:Store is just one of the on-site facilities at Hackney Downs Studios that our residents benefit from, as well as wellness, cafe, restaurant, bar, gym and retail.

Find out more about our community and see our available studios.