6 March 2025
More ecological alternatives to chemical cleaning products
- COSH! Member Publicity
- Chemicals
- Lifestyle
According to Eurostat, in 2022, the amount of municipal waste generated per person in the EU amounted to 513 kg. Our daily life, laden with plastic-wrapped vegetables, fruit, pasta, meat, and fish, contributes to a mounting crisis.
The Plastic Soup Foundation states that in Europe, about 40% of all plastic waste comes from food packaging. Between 2010 and 2021, ‘paper and cardboard’ emerged as the predominant packaging waste material in the EU, reaching 34.0 million tonnes in 2021. This was closely followed by plastic, with 16.1 million tonnes, and glass packaging waste at 15.6 million tonnes. This packaging menace not only litters our environment but also poses significant risks to wildlife and our health.
But fear not, for there is a more sustainable solution! Embark on a journey to bulk stores or zero waste shops, where you can purchase a variety of healthy and/or biological foods and safe cleaning products, all devoid of detrimental packaging.
Why Plastic Packaging?
Plastic packaging has been a permanent fixture on supermarket shelves and has been deemed a necessary evil that prevents food waste and preserves the freshness and taste of fruits and vegetables. However, an 18-month study by the sustainability charity Wrap revealed that single-use plastic packaging does not significantly extend the shelf life of fresh produce such as apples, bananas, and potatoes, and may actually lead to increased food waste by encouraging consumers to buy more than needed.
The research suggests that improved storage conditions and buying appropriate quantities of food are more effective in reducing waste than plastic packaging. If supermarkets sold these items loose without best-before dates, it could save over 10,300 tonnes of plastic and 100,000 tonnes of food waste annually. Therefore, zero waste shops are our strongest allies when it comes to more sustainable shopping and consumption.
Bulk stores champion the cause of minimising the distance between farmers and consumers, allowing you to purchase all your favourite products, like flour, pasta, rice, and even wine, directly from local producers. This supports your community’s economy and guarantees fresh, wholesome food on your table.
It’s important to note that organic produce is often wrapped in plastic to prevent cross-contamination from non-organic goods. Yet, when you shop at zero waste outlets that exclusively stock organic products, this concern is eliminated.
While packaging does have its justification in certain cases, more often than not, it serves merely as a tool for convenience or marketing rather than necessity.
Packaging Free Shops
In packaging-free shops, you can indulge in an array of products for both personal and family use without the guilt of contributing to the plastic problem. These stores encourage you to bring your own containers, significantly cutting down on waste. Even if you forget your jars or bags, many shops offer sustainable alternatives like recyclable paper bags or the option to purchase empty containers.
These package free hubs often source their products from local suppliers, thus reducing transportation emissions and ensuring you enjoy fresh, delectable produce without the waste. By opting for a packaging-free lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your waste footprint, contributing positively to the environment, your well-being, and local agriculture.
Curious to dive deeper into the world of zero waste shopping? Discover a variety of zero waste food or cosmetics shops, and immerse yourself in a more sustainable lifestyle.
Discover the best packaging free stores in Belgium and the Netherlands
Robuust
Packaging-free shopping in Antwerp
Antwerp’s first packaging free shop, Robuust provides a range of dry goods, organic vegetables, fruits, and fresh produce, all sourced locally and seasonally. In their assortment you can also find zero waste care and household products for the bathroom and kitchen. Bring your own jars, pots and bags and avoid plastic waste!
KarmaMarkt
Zero waste store in Bruges
In Bruges, KarmaMarkt invites you to bring your own containers or purchase one in-store, offering products mostly from local suppliers, ranging from oils to rice. Besides offering packaging free groceries and more natural care products like shampoo bars and solid toothpaste, KarmaMarkt is also a place that focuses on relaxation, meeting like-minded people and education. Visit the zero waste store KarmaMarkt in Bruges, support your local economy and embrace the zero waste philosophy!
Tarra verpakkingsvrij
Zero waste shopping in Dendermonde
Located in Dendermonde, Tarra verpakkingsvrij features an extensive vegan and gluten-free selection, from nuts and pasta to refillable spices, tea, and oil. They also offer zero waste and reusable care products, toilet paper, cosmetics, household items and more. Also check out the workshop/event schedule of Tarra Verpakkingsvrij, because there is always something going on!
The Barn
Organic and zero waste food market in Antwerp
An indoor organic market in Antwerp, The Barn offers organic food at competitive prices, focusing on seasonal products from local, Belgian, and European producers. Walk into The Barn and get yourself some organic groceries without plastic waste!
Kudzu
Online zero waste supermarket
Kudzu is an online supermarket that provides a vast selection of more sustainable and zero waste alternatives for everyday needs. It offers an extensive range of products, enabling you to find eco-friendlier options for nearly every aspect of your daily life.
Whether you’re in search of natural cosmetics, children’s clothing, book bags, more sustainable underwear, eco-friendlier razor blades, bamboo cutlery, or even bicycle oil, Kudzu has you covered. Certain products are packaged. However, the packaging is either recyclable or made from recycled materials. Additionally, Kudzu’s website is hosted on a green server, reducing its digital carbon footprint.
Boavista Circular
Low waste cleaning products in Amsterdam
Embark on a packaging free shopping journey and invest in household products with zero to low waste. At the Amsterdam brand Boavista Circular they know how to create these kinds of products. Discover alternatives to plastic bottled soaps and start to use ecofriendlier dish wash soap bars, together with their ecofriendlier sponge/scrubber, made from 80% recycled ocean pollution. Or discover their 100% natural and plastic free laundry detergent: the good old soap nuts are making their way into your daily washing routine.
Get out your jars, bottles and reusable bags and go zero waste shopping at one of the shops above!
