Bulk Market: London’s first zero-waste shop. Pic: Bulk Market
Shops and markets that minimise the environmental impact of our consumer habits are popping out across London and especially in Hackney.
This new plastic-free revolution is part of a growing eco-initiative trend in the borough and has seen the birth of London’s first zero-waste store in 2017: Bulk shop in Hackney Central.
EastLondonLines has created a list of the best zero-waste stores and markets you may find in Hackney.
Re: Store is Hackney’s latest zero-waste shop opening. Inaugurated in March 2019 near Hackney downs station Re: Store is promoting an eco-conscious way of shopping. Like Bulk Market, the shop is using single-use packaging with no plastic bags in sight.
Bulk Store Market Hackney
Bulk market, London’s first zero-waste shop, launched the plastic-free initiative from the existing zero-waste concept in Australia. Once a pop-up store, they now have their own permanent location inside Hackney central station arches. The shop offers a range of products such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains all free from any packages. Costumers are invited to bring their own empty jars and reusable boxes.
Growing Communities Farmer Market
Located in Stoke Newington, it is the UK’s only 100 per cent organic farmers’ market. Growing Communities Farmer Market is a community-led organisation promoting a sustainable agriculture system by distributing affordable products in a low-impact and low-carbon way. They pride themselves on trading for social purpose and not to maximise profits.
Get Loose at Hackney City Farm shop
The independent farm located in the heart of Hackney recently opened a zero-waste shop. Get Loose is a social enterprise providing affordable organic food without disposable packaging. Grains, muesli, quinoa, rice and lentils are weighed up and tomatoes plus pasta can also be purchased.
Broadway Market
Arguably London’s hippest market. Running every Saturdays in Hackney, Broadway Market is well-known for its tasty vegan street food stalls. But the East London market also hosts a wide range of traders offering organic, sustainable and eco-friendly products.
Mother Earth Cafe & Shop
Mother Earth Cafe is a health food store selling organic products. The shop offers a wide range of eco-friendly, vegan and fair-trade products. It also hosts an Ecover refills service for laundry liquids.
Offcut Studio
Located in Stoke Newington, Offcut Studio is preventing fast-fashion waste by recycling pre-consumer textiles waste. The shop offers handmade goods from reclaimed, recycled and organic fabrics.
