The internet is a wealth of resources but it can be overwhelming if you don’t have the time or know exactly where to look. There is also the matter of “greenwashing” to consider. I have been researching Zero Waste products for a few months now and came across a few places where you can start your Zero waste journey by stocking up on items that are not only good for the environment but have limited chemicals and toxins in them so they are good for you too!
A few weeks back I promised a list of Zero Waste and Eco-friendly online and Brick + Mortar shops for you, so without further ado here it is! A little bonus is that almost all the shops listed here are Canadian (made and sourced) so the impact (carbon footprint) of of having them shipped to you are considerably less.
Disclaimer: I do not receive any compensation from the following shops for mentioning them in this post, they are all recommended by myself only. For more information simply click on the shop name and you will be redirected to their website.
The Apothecary in Inglewood
Their Mission statement says it all.
“The Apothecary in Inglewood is dedicated to supplying the highest quality pure and unadulterated essential oils and 100 percent natural bath, body and wellness products for all members of the family. We proudly support local and Canadian businesses for all of our products, and everything we offer is Paraben and SLS free, and most are made with certified organic components.”
bare market
A store that is completely package-free! Note: Their online shop is closed temporarily as they open their first brick and mortar shop.
“At bare market, we’re on a mission to help you reduce waste. As Toronto’s first one-stop shop for package-free goods, we offer affordable and locally sourced body and home care products in bulk that are good for you and good for the planet (keep your eye out for food items coming soon!). What’s our intent? To make sustainable and ethical living easy and accessible for everyone, everywhere.”
Tru Earth
I really can’t say enough good about these Laundry strips! Not only are they zero waste but they work amazingly!!
Here is the impressive list of Tru Earth Certifications:
- Paraben-free
- Phosphate-free
- Free of added dyes
- Free of chlorine bleach
- Free of 1,4-dioxane, as certified by independent laboratory tests
- Readily biodegradable in accordance with OECD 310D
- Hypoallergenic, certified by independent dermatologists
- Vegan: no animal-based ingredients or testing on animals by us or our ingredient suppliers
Dr. Bronner
Their Castille soap is good for everything from dishing washing to brushing your teeth! Ya, you heard me right. The hand-soap collection is incredible and both are available in most health food stores across Canada. Dr. Bronner’s is another one with an impressive list of certifications which can be found on their website.
eco and amour
A place where you can find everything you need for the home, from cleaning products to on-the-go items.
“At eco+amour, we believe that if everyone were to make a few small changes to the way they shop – what a difference we could make. So we’ve partnered with some of the coolest eco-conscious brands to offer shoppers in the GTA a sustainable, refillable beauty, self-care and home care shopping experience.”
The Pale Blue Dot
This new store is a place to not only purchase your sustainable living goods but they offer workshops and seminars as well!
“We are your one-stop shop for sustainable living, providing you with safe, high-quality, ethically-sourced, earth-friendly alternatives to plastic and single-use products!”
Two Sisters Naturals
These ladies make nearly all of their own products using plant based ingredients that everyone can read and understand.
“We believe that living a natural lifestyle and that supporting our local community in order to limit our individual footprint is important. We love the process of creating, making and bring a product to life. We carry everyday products and are always open to hearing what YOU want us to carry, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us on something you want to see us carry.”
Refillery District
A beautiful shop in downtown Orillia with wonderful and knowledgeable staff. I love dropping in to this store whenever I am in the area.
“Single use plastics are a rampant epidemic of our time. The more we opened our eyes, the more It felt like we couldn’t escape it……We believe that humans are capable of solutions that will change the industry. Governments and corporations have the power to stop the perpetuation of this toxic cycle but the question is “when”? What happens NOW? For now, this is our solution. We are a grassroots mission lead by heart and a deep sense of urgency to begin somewhere while the big guys get their acts together.”
The Blind Thistle 
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