Shopping sustainably has gotten so much easier and every week I see new waste-free shops popping up both online and in centres. Trying to live sustainably with large retailers in SA is really hard. I have tried it and it is tough to reduce packaging when literally everything in the store comes in some sort of packaging. Fortunately as the sustainable movement gains momentum we now have more options.
I have found our groove with how we shop and it is largely online, it is nice knowing I can pop into the Refillery if I need something in between. The nice thing about buying bulk, apart from taking your own containers, is that you can buy what you need. You don’t have to buy 500g or a kg of an item – you can just buy the amount you need.
Something I learnt the hard way was that sustainable packaging does not automatically mean that the product is natural or organic. Often the two are connected but it is not guaranteed. You might find you have to compromise one way or the other with some products. But when you buy from a sustainable store, generally they have done some research into the products they support but I have learnt to never assume this either. You will have to do a little research of your own, especially around beauty and cleaning products.
These are just a few of the more popular stores that focus on waste-free living in South Africa. But I am sure there are loads more. If you have local stores or suppliers, please let me know and I will add them to the list.
Groceries
The Refillery – online and stores in Joburg and Pretoria
Unwrapped – online, deliveries in Gauteng only
JaraJar – online (Cape Town)
Faithful to Nature – online
Wellness Warehouse – online and stores nationwide
Nude Foods – online and a store in Cape Town
Fresh Earth Foods – online and stores in Joburg
Shop Zero – online
Fruit and Veggie Boxes
Vula – delivery in Pretoria and a small store in Brooklyn.
FarmFreshOnline – delivery in parts of Joburg
Munching Mongoose – deliver in Joburg and Pretoria
Where do you shop for waste-free living?
If you found this post helpful, please share it on Facebook or Twitter.
I am working on a comprehensive waste-free guide to help you make the switch. If you want to receive it, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter and be the first to have access.
