Climate change is upon us. The world is in the throes of a serious global environmental crisis, so it’s no wonder that we’re all re-evaluating our habits. But the answer goes way beyond doing away with plastic straws. “Zero waste” is about reducing our waste generation to as little as possible, and that includes all the pesky packaging that usually comes with… basically any product we buy, really.
At these stores, however, daily essentials are sold in bulk rather than in separate packages. Which means that instead of accumulating plastic packaging that will only end up in the trash, you can bring your own reusable containers to carry home what you need.
Live Zero
The first zero waste store in Hong Kong, Live Zero stocks organic produce including flour, oats, quinoa, nuts, dried fruits, and plenty more. It also sells other eco-friendly household essentials, as well as products to aid your quest for a zero waste life, like metal straws and bamboo toothbrushes. Its new Sai Kung branch opened in the autumn of 2018.
24 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, 2567 5676 and G/F, 5 Tak Lung Back Street, Sai Kung, 2567-6696.
Edgar
After successful kiosks and pop-up stores in 2016 and 2017, Edgar now boasts two permanent locations in Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. The store sources natural, organic, and fair trade products in bulk from Europe. Bring your own container and stock up on cereals, pasta, rice, fruits, nuts, or snacks. Of course, an array of zero waste supplies are on sale, too. Don’t live near either of its branches? Just order delivery online instead.
Shop 201, Level 2,K11 Art Mall x K11 Natural, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3101 3030 and 5 Moon Street, Wan Chai; 3484-2088.
Seed
Seed is filled with kitchen essentials like grains, spices, and teas, but also plenty of useful stuff, from vegan cookies to stainless steel reusable coffee capsules. The shop even makes its own antibacterial handwash and sunscreen that you can purchase using your own bottle. Didn’t bring a container or bag? Give $5 to use a container donated to the shop or purchase one of its eco-friendly cotton bags.
29 Yee Kuk Street, Sai Kung.
Lively Life
Not everything is sold in bulk here, but you’ll be able to find your regular rice and noodles at Lively Life, as well as seasonal fresh produce, organic kombucha and teas, and vinegar. And it doesn’t stop at kitchen essentials. You can also pick up locally-made skin and haircare products. It’s even got a water station.
UG 6, UG/F, CC Wu Building, 302-308, Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, 6730-0643.
Vom Fass
We’ve covered grains and produce, but what about the liquid staples for our pantry? Vom Fass is all about vinegars, oils, wine and spirits. Purchase containers from the store on your first visit, then bring them back again and again when you need to restock. Other gourmet food and snacks (packaged separately, for now) are available, too. It has four locations throughout Hong Kong, though its Tsim Sha Tsui store is the largest. You can also order online; orders over $450 get free shipping.
Multiple locations, including 59B Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2366-6768.
Audrey
Audrey is a beautiful boutique filled with vintage decor that sells loose leaf teas — mostly herbal, though a few black, green and rooibos varieties are also available. These teas can be purchased in boxes, plastic packaging, or tins… but if you bring your own container, the staff will gladly accommodate you. Assorted decorative items as well as skincare products (in their own packaging) are for sale, too.
G/F, Chung Shan House, 4-6 Gough Street, Central, 2526-8036 or Flat B, 13/F Mai Sik Industrial Building, 1-11 Kwai Ting Road, Kwai Chung, 2279-9664.
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