STUDENT GUIDE 2019 IN ASSOCIATION WITH
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As our impact on the environment makes itself increasingly known, eco-friendly shopping is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Luckily, it’s also easier, more accessible and more affordable than ever, with plenty of loose, zero-waste and environmentally conscious retailers popping up E D I N B U R G H
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T H E ECO LA R D E R A dedicated zero-waste retailer and social enterprise, the Eco Larder opened its doors after a successful crowdfunding campaign, and is dedicated to helping Edinburgh residents reduce their plastic waste. Pledging to put the planet before profit, the shop sells everything from reusable containers and bamboo straws, to natural beauty products and eco-friendly loo roll. The Eco Larder also hosts a range of free workshops on how to create their own daily essentials with zero waste, such as toiletries and cleaning products. They also sell a range of loose food items, such as pasta, pulses, oils and spices. • 200 Morrison Street, theecolarder.com
T H E R E F I L L E RY This plastic-free grocery sells a wide variety of loose products, from wholefoods to household cleaning and personal hygiene supplies, which customers can pack into their own jars and containers. The Refillery also stocks other items to help reduce everyday plastic use in small, simple but meaningful ways, such as beeswax food wraps instead of cling film, and washing bags that capture the synthetic microfibres that detach from our clothing in the washing machine, and prevent them from entering our rivers and oceans. • 39 Newington Road, therefillery.co.uk
G L A S G O W
Z E R O WAST E MA R K E T After noticing a gap in the market in the East End of the city for plastic-free alternatives, Graham Sharp and Lizzie Leman set up a permanent shop to fill the hole in the market and offer access to affordable reusable products. Fully embracing the refill shopping culture, it allows customers to bring in their own containers and fill up on food and cleaning products like pasta, oats, shampoo bars, and even reusable sanitary products. They also have an online store and a handy blog which shares helpful tips on how to live a low-waste lifestyle. • 17 Hillfoot Street, zerowastemarket.org.uk
LO CAVO R E As a community interest company, with profits going to public good, buying loose items from this Southside store is good for the planet and the community. The shop helps to build a more sustainable local food system by offering organic, loose wholefoods through their grocer, veg box deliveries and café. Fill up on grains, pulses, flours, herbs, eco household cleaners, fresh bread and dairy and meat products, while bypassing the supermarket and shopping ethically and affordably. • 349 Victoria Road, glasgowlocavore.org
114 THE LIST 1 Sep–31 Oct 2019