NYC’S Leading Zero Waste Grocery Stores
In our second guide to the Best Zero Waste Grocery Stores, we chart New York’s finest.
1. Precycle £-£££
50 Cypress Ave, Brooklyn 1123
The business model behind Precycle is to eliminate unnecessary waste before it occurs. In practice, this translates to a supersized bulk and plastic free shop filled with local produce, legumes, pasta, flour and spices.
Get involved: Bring your own refillable vessel, and pay only for the amount you measure.
2. 4th Street Food Co-op £
58 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003
The 4th Street Food Co-op is a member-run cooperative grocer selling high-quality organic food and household products. This eco- friendly store is entirely powered by wind energy. They strive to stock fair trade and local products whenever possible and leftover stock is composted.
Get involved: Donate your unwanted shopping bags to 4th Street Food Co-op for them to reuse.
4th Street Food Co-op – Food for People, not for Profit (4thstreetfoodcoop.org)
3. Fairway Market £-££
766 Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Fairway Market provides a stunning selection of fruits and vegetables to New York residents, direct from farms and orchards. Shop for organic foods, gluten-free items and natural health and beauty products from around the world, over 500 cheeses and all the deli treats you can dream of. The lighting in-store is energy efficient - and heat generated by Fairway's fridge and freezer equipment is reclaimed to heat the aisles and water in store.
Get involved: Sign up for Fairway Market's Loyalty Program to receive digital coupons.
Fairway Markets |FairwayMarkets.com
4. Trader Joe’s £
Several Locations
Trader Joe’s is a classic and has truly placed sustainability at its core. This iconic chain introduced their first organic product (unfiltered Apple Juice,) back in the 1970s and have been consistently improving the way we eat ever since.
In their mission towards sustainability and the reduction of waste, Trader Joe’s have ensured that 99.5% of all produce are sold to customers, donated to recovery partners, or composted.
Get involved: Customers who want a Trader Joe's in their neighbourhood can go to the Request a TJ's in My City page on the Trader Joe's website.
Trader Joe’s | (traderjoes.com)
5. Package Free ££
137 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Package Free Shop stock eco-friendly, plastic-free goods sourced from individuals and brands who promote a sustainable, waste-free culture. The store also carries items such as a zero waste lunch kit, beeswax food wrap and reusable straws.
Get involved: Each friend referral gets you $10 to spend at Package Free. Perhaps time to call everyone on your contacts list?
Package Free Shop: Zero Waste Lifestyle Store
6. GrowNYC Greenmarkets £-££
51 Market Locations across NY
Aside from the handful of waste-free stores that are sprouting up throughout New York City, those looking for a less wasteful shopping experience can also visit one of the many GrowNYC Farmers Markets, which are held throughout the week in various locations throughout the city. Farmers markets allow customers to purchase plastic-free produce in bulk at a cheaper cost.
Get involved: Many locations host recycling programmes, such as textile recycling and composting, that are open to the public. Furthermore, they provide volunteer opportunities in the construction of urban farms, community and school gardens throughout New York.