As we shared in last week’s post, there are a few strategies to reduce our waste, tread more lightly on the earth, and be better neighbors to those affected by climate change disproportionately (the Global South, communities of color). One of the ideas brought up was purchasing behavior. Following last week’s list of sustainable gifts to consider, we invite you this week to swap out some everyday items that are little-zero waste.

accessible alternatives

swap for zero-waste

One local shop that has made a lower waste lifestyle more accessible is the Eco-Collective. Located in Ballard and founded by a group of women, there are many reasons to support this little zero waste shop. Their website has lots of great resources (blogs, videos, social media links, very informative product instructions about use and end of life disposal). They are not currently open for retail shopping but you can order everything online, choosing from local pick up (11am-2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays), local delivery ($8 fee for over $25 order), or shipping 100% plastic-free and carbon-neutral nationally.

Additionally, they have a fabulous bulk bar that features everything from dish soap to gummy vitamins. In these covid times when many bulk bars are closed and you cannot use your own containers to reduce single-use plastic, they have a $2 deposit program to reuse the glass jars that most of their bulk items are packaged in. The hand soap, mango curl conditioner, and dish soap have been great!

Here are some of Adrienne’s other favorite products:

The Stasher Silicone Sandwich Bag: “these durable and reusable silicone bags stand the test of time, and are microwave safe, dishwasher safe, sous vide ready, oven strong, and fridge and freezer friendly.” Fun colors, great to organize things, and a way to say goodbye to plastic baggies! (Hint, Ballard Market had a sale on this size and the “snack bag” size…worth checking out!).
Refillable Dental Floss: this is a super easy one! Kept in a small glass vial, simply refill the floss when it runs out and viola!
Charcoal Water Filter: this nifty activated charcoal Japanese oak does a lot of good. “The stick of charcoal bonds with the toxins in tap water and absorbs impurities, while also imparting healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium.” I have loved the water bottle size and am on my 3rd one (though it does clank around in there). The used ones get broken up and used as filtration in my potted plants!

These are a few of the things I’ve tried…all of which I have had great experiences with. Purchasing from this little store is easy, convenient, and local. It has also piqued my interest in other zero-waste alternatives to everyday items.

Have another store or low-waste alternative that you recommend? Let us know in the comments!