9 Best Zero-Waste Stores in the United States

Becoming a conscious consumer is a process. Aside from opting for

secondhand items, favoring a

gifting economy, trying your hand at DIY, and generally buying much less, opting for sustainable swaps—those that are made using eco-friendly formulas and packaged in recyclable, compostable, or refillable packaging—makes routines of all kinds a touch more mindful.

And the best place to sort through said swaps? A zero-waste store.

According to the EPA, the average American produces around

six pounds of trash per day. Zero-waste stores help make a portion of that trash obsolete by eliminating as much of it as possible, focusing on long-lasting, low-impact options designed to inspire shoppers to buy only what's essential—and to do so responsibly.

While it's impossible for any store to be 100% zero-waste, these stores aim to be as low-waste as possible both in terms of their operations and product selection. That might mean requiring customers to bring their own reusable bags (no

plastic bags here!), providing refill stations for everyday items, and selling low-waste products and

sustainable swaps.

If you’re looking for a low-waste shopping experience near you—or want some help sorting through the menu of online options—we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up some of the best zero-waste stores in the United States to help you shop with the planet in mind.

Location: Online

Brightly's goal is to make all consumption conscious. It's your one-stop shop for sustainable swaps—including its famous

Wishcloth greeting cards,

dryer balls,

rechargeable lighters, reusable

bowl covers,

stone bath mats, and other eco-friendly goods.

Brightly isn't entirely zero-waste, as no store is. But it's constantly striving to make the world a brighter, more sustainable place. Its polybags dissolve in water, making shipping less wasteful. It's also Climate Neutral Certified and a member of 1% For the Planet.

Location: 2363 E Main St., Ventura, CA

If you’re on the search for vegan home and personal care products, The Refill Shoppe is the shop for you. Stock up on cleaning products, hair and skincare, and more, all housed in reused, recyclable, home-

compostable, and (as the name implies) refillable packaging.

As a bonus, the store's take-back service allows customers to return refill pouches for

upcycling.

Location: 3308 W Chinden Blvd., Garden City, ID

Should you find yourself in Idaho, Roots Zero Waste Market is a must-shop. The eco-conscious cafe and grocery store features household items, snacks, meals, and more, along with bulk pantry items. You can even find locally-sourced

eggs, dairy, and meat products.

Location: 7300 Rancharrah Pkwy. Suite 120, Reno, NV

The Waste Less Shop sells a variety of eco-friendly items including refillable cleaning products, cotton totes, stainless steel mugs, soap, cutlery sets, and more.

The brand couples its natural ingredients and eco-packaging with carbon neutrality via a partnership with the nonprofit

OneTreePlanted, which aims to aid in tree regeneration.

Location: Portland, Oregon

The first zero-waste shop in Portland, Oregon, Utility is an eco-conscious shop that sells sustainable and plastic-free products like deodorant, stain sticks, shampoo and conditioner, and more.

Utility's refillable products are made in Portland and feature ingredients sourced from Oregon and Washington for a minimal footprint. Labels are reusable, and shipments are delivered via

electric vehicle.

Location: Online

Sun & Swell is an online zero-waste grocery store that sources nearly all of its food from organic U.S. farms. All products are sold in compostable packaging or reusable jars, making it a prime shop for all of your sustainable snacking needs.

Location: 35 Chandler Square, Port Jefferson, NY

Long Island’s first zero-waste lifestyle shop showcases items that are sustainable, ethical, and cruelty-free. The shop also offers a refillery, allowing customers to bring their own container and fill it with non-toxic cleaning and self-care essentials like face toner, laundry detergent, and more.

Location:  432 E 1st St., Long Beach, CA

Looking to help promote an environmentally conscious future? Byo Long Beach is waiting to welcome you to the refill community. Bulk refillable products are sold alongside organic bath and body care products, herbs and spices, dried flowers, and cleaning supplies, all housed in zero-waste packaging,

Location: 49 Bogart St., Brooklyn, NY

Zero Waste Daniel sells sustainable, handmade unisex apparel that’s both stylish and good for the planet. The unique styles are crafted using pre-consumer waste—in fact, each piece of one-of-a-kind clothing diverts approximately one pound of textile waste from the

landfill.

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Location: 12928 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

Re_Grocery is a sustainable grocery store featuring a variety of high-quality products, from

vegetables, herbs, and grains to candy and skincare essentials. All of the brand's in-house offerings are packaged in 100% recycled compostable paper bags, making them a great sustainable shopping option.

Location: 331 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos, TX

At the Truly Pure Refillery, you can bring your clean container from home and fill it with non-toxic, organic, cruelty-free, and vegan products including bath and body, skincare, and household cleaning formulas. The store's offerings are high-quality and good for your home, your health, and the environment.

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