The Zero Waste life doesn’t happen overnight. It could start with you just swapping out one frequently used plastic product, like a straw, with an eco-friendly substitute. Even the best Zero Waste advocates say it takes time to get into gear, but it also helps to remember three fast rules: be prepared for when you may need an alternative to avoid waste (which means packing for the occasion), stay mindful of your actions, and start small.
Read also: How to build the ultimate traveller’s Zero Waste kit
There are many websites and addresses across the globe that sell plastic-free, sustainable or organic products for Zero Waste lifestyles. Here are some of our favourites.
#1 The Hive Bulk Foods
What they have: Bulk food, toiletries, skincare, household products
Where to buy: Online (ships to Malaysia and Singapore) and at 92A, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar Park, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily, 9am to 7pm
#2 Frangipani
What they have: Bodycare, toiletries, eating and drinking utensils
Where to buy: Online (ships to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan/Hong Kong, India, Philippines, Brunei, New Zealand and Australia)
#3 The Zero Waste Shop
What they have: Bulk food, toiletries, handmade soaps
Where to buy: 101 High Street, Devon TQ9 5PF, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays, opens at 9am, closing times differ
#4 Meow Meow Tweet
What they have: Vegan skincare
Where to buy: Online (ships to US and Canada) and various retailers worldwide
#5 Touch The Toes
What they have: Eco-friendly yoga apparel and yoga gear
Where to buy: Online (ships worldwide)
#6 Zero Waste Store
What they have: Toiletries, stationery, gardening tools, kitchenware
Where to buy: Online (ships worldwide from Australia)
#7 Georganics
What they have: Oral care products
Where to buy: Online (ships worldwide from the United Kingdom)
#8 Live Zero Bulk Foods
What they have: Bulk food, body care, eating and drinking utensils, paint
Where to buy: Online (ships worldwide) and at 24 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 11am to 8pm; Sundays 11am to 6pm
#9 Package Free Shop
What they have: Stationery, toiletries, skincare, homeware, kitchenware, feminine care products
Where to buy: Online (ships worldwide) and at 137 Grand Street, Brooklyn, New York 11249, United States
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 7pm
#10 One Planet Zero
What they have: Toiletries, kitchenware, utensils, feminine care products, sunglasses
Where to buy: Online (ships worldwide)
#11 UnPackt
What they have: Bulk food
Where to buy: 6 Jalan Kuras, Singapore 577724
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 8pm
#12 Plastic-Free HK
What they have: Toiletries, skincare, homeware, eating and drinking utensils
Where to buy: Online (ships to Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and Macau)
#13 Brush with Bamboo
What they have: Organic bamboo toothbrushes
Where to buy: Online (ships worldwide from the United States)