Ready to go zero waste? You’re going to need to make friends with some awesome zero waste online stores.
I’m sure we’ve all experienced the same frustration. A tiny item ordered online arrives inside multiple oversized boxes, with yards of packing paper. Even though I ordered a sustainable product from a great company, getting it to my doorstep was incredibly wasteful. It can be so disheartening! While the most sustainable solution might be physical stores everywhere selling zero waste goods, this is not realistic in our world today. But things definitely need to change. Just in 2019, just Amazon’s packages created over 465 million pounds of waste, with 22.4 million pounds of plastic ending up in our water systems.
Thankfully, there are more and more online retailers who hold themselves to a higher standard of sustainability. These zero waste online stores aim to eliminate wasteful packaging and choose the most efficient methods of shipping. Restocking your home with sustainable products and ditching single-use plastics can be intimidating. But when you know the entire process was as close to zero waste as possible, it can take some weight off your shoulders.
Tips for shopping zero waste online
If you are shopping online, there are some easy steps you can take to reduce waste. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by options, but here are some helpful tips:
- Condense your orders when possible to reduce shipments.
- Consider what you may need in the future to avoid ordering again soon.
- Make sure the company uses sustainable packaging and packing materials.
- Pick up your order from UPS, CVS, or local pick-up locations, if possible.
- Reuse, recycle, or compost shipping materials.
- Ask a local shipping company if they would reuse items sent to you, like bubble wrap.
- Make your voice heard! Ask for sustainable materials in the order notes.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a zero waste shop like this in their town.
Sigh.
10 zero waste online stores
Here are some great options for zero waste online stores that will give you the goods you to lead a lower-impact lifestyle:
1. Package Free Shop
Package Free has a vast selection of plastic-free household options. Their prices are super affordable and they are a great resource for eco-friendly bathroom products (and more). You can shop by material on their site, like organic cotton for instance.
Based in New York City, they also offer worldwide shipping.
2. Sister Collective
At the Sister Collective, the focus is on what is best for the planet and your own body. They carry plastic-free products made without harmful toxins. Check out their zero waste online store for health products and bathroom upgrades, like bamboo toothbrushes.
They also sell reusable food storage bags for produce or dry goods.
3. Life Without Plastic
Life Without Plastic aims to use the most eco-friendly options when it comes to packaging and shipping. They also recycle and reuse any boxes sent back to them. Their household products are long-lasting and offer good solutions when you are trying to replace everyday items.
Life Without Plastic also has useful resources on their website about the dangers of plastic and the available alternatives.
4. Etee
With a factory powered fully by renewable energy, Etee has been working to eliminate waste at every step. Everything they send out is totally plastic-free. Since they make all their own products, Etee fully stands behind everything they sell. They carry a wide array of reusable products, like food containers and metal straws.
Their discount and rewards programs make them a good option for stocking up on eco-friendly items.
5. Wild Minimalist
Wild Minimalist is committed to offering sustainable options for a zero waste life. After being inspired by traveling the world and streamlining their possessions, this family-run company set out to help others do the same. Check out their eco-friendly kitchen options especially.
They also have a physical store in the Bay Area, in California.
6. Tiny Yellow Bungalow
Originally based out of a tiny yellow bungalow, this zero waste store provides a huge assortment of organic soaps and beauty products. Using upcycled shipping boxes and packing materials, you can sign up for useful subscriptions as well.
The founder also publishes healthy recipes and eco-friendly cooking ideas on their site. Check them out!
7. The Zero(ish) Co.
The Zero(ish) Co. focuses on helping people find zero waste solutions in their own lives. Based out of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, they sell zero waste kits — like skincare or daily carry kits — to get customers started, as well as household or travel products.
They also usually have themed coupon codes to raise awareness of issues like ocean-safe initiatives, while giving you a discount.
8. Zero Waste Store
The Zero Waste Store carries a huge selection of eco-friendly products, while also being cruelty-free and organic. Using a reward points system, you can also get deals and save. They have been growing quickly and offer tons of great zero waste options.
Check out their innovative paper towel alternatives, which can really help switch your kitchen over to zero waste.
9. The Earthling Co.
With a portion of their profits donated to fighting climate change, The Earthling Co is putting their money where their mouth is. They are a great resource for zero waste soaps, shampoos, and body washes (as well as other household items).
Plus, all of their products are made in the USA.
10. Earth Hero
Earth Hero is based out of Boulder, Colorado. They sell a wide range of different products made of reusable or renewable materials, from hundreds of eco-friendly brands. Everything from compostable trash bags to beeswax food wraps.
Earth Hero also donates funds to offset any carbon used by their own company and the transport of their goods.
The future of zero waste online stores
While the options for zero waste online stores may seem overwhelming, this is a great sign for the future. This lifestyle is gaining more and more momentum in our society. This is a chance to collaborate in protecting the planet, while still taking care of our homes and ourselves. Next time you run out of something in your home, check out these online stores for options that will keep you healthy and generate less waste along the way. Out with the plastic and in with the beeswax.
