BYOB, BUT MAKE IT SUSTAINABLE

Emory Keel's previous blog work separate from ECON 325 portfolio

Via foodhavenblogcom.wpcomstaging.com June 6th, 2021

While some people’s Tik Tok for you page (fyp) is Charlie D’Amelio and Bryce Hall doing the new trendy dance. Mine however is often filled with recipes, travel and zero waste living.

• Zero waste is “a way of life that promotes the goal of reducing the amount of material we throw away and instead reincorporating by-products of one system for use for another system.”

Tik Tok was also where it introduced me to zero waste stores. Zero waste stores carry plastic-free, all-natural, sustainable items ranging from household goods for the bathroom or kitchen such as soap, shampoo, reusable dryer sheets to also having grocery items.

This holistic sustainability business concept works by items being sold in bulk and its BYOB style. Now that is a term that I am very familiar with, but sadly this is a different and more sobering experience. In this case BYOB stands for “bring your own bottles.” A lot of their items are sold in bulk and when you go to them you bring your bottles and pay for the refills. In many cases this way of shopping is more affordable than traditional shopping at a grocery store.

First originating in London back in 2007, there are now hundreds of stores all over the world. The website Litterless.com makes it easy for you to find zero waste stores in your state.

If you are interested in taking up becoming plastic-free, but a zero waste store is not easily accessible for you there are many zero waste online shops.

Popular online zero waste stores

1. EarthHero

2. Sun and Swell foods

3. Wild minimalist

4. EcoRoots

5. Package Free

Swinging by your local zero waste store or placing an order on an online shop is an easy and effective way you can help the environment by eliminating the amount of plastic trash which then is polluting our waterways and soil.

For all things healthy, happy and sustainable be sure to check out https://foodhaven.app for more on zero waste and ending food waste!

Written by: Emory Keel, Food Haven Social Media Intern