Shop Zero Waste
What is zero waste shopping and why should we care? A typical zero waste store sells plastic-free items which help you reduce your own unnecessary waste generation. Typically, you can purchase bulk, package-free foods, personal care products, and household goods using only paper or reusable containers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that containers and packaging make up 23 percent of landfill waste. Yikes! We can do better.
The Vintage Green Review is a NOLA based shopping resource for low waste items. I caught up with the founder, Sarah Andert the day before the opening of her first brick and mortar shop on Magazine. Here’s the scoop on her store and back story.
Epiphany: How did you get to NOLA? Tell us more about you.
I grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota and came down south to attend Tulane University. As an undergrad I majored in English and art history and later came back after Katrina and got my master’s in English as well. Over the years, I’ve worked for Gambit, taught middle school ELA, worked at Tulane's Center for Public Service, and learned a lot about this city and its needs. After leaving NOLA to move to Denver in 2014 I ended up meeting my partner there while he was traveling, and ironically, he lived in NOLA! So I ended up moving back for good and started my business not long after.
Epiphany: What can we expect to find at your new pop up store?
For now, we will carry cleaning items like plant-bristle brushes, Swedish dish cloths, loofah sponges, dryer balls, reusable NOTpaper towels, and reusable travel items as well provide waste-free bulk refills of organic sunscreen, hand sanitizer, plant-based cruelty-free liquid hand, laundry and dish soaps, all-purpose cleaner, tea blends, and later this week, kombucha. We will also have fun things like sustainable organic cotton dog & kitty toys, and vintage linens and kitchenware. Fun fact: my mom hand-makes all of our up-cycled napkins, NOT paper towels, facial rounds, bread bags, coffee cozies, reusable coffee filters, and bowl covers. : )
Epiphany: Why is the message of sustainability important to you?
I believe the low waste lifestyle combined with vintage-inspired solutions can make sustainability fun and interesting! It doesn’t have to be drab or depressing. I spent a lot of time with my grandmother growing up and the way she re-used everything was so easy and beautiful. She really gave a lot of thought to where things come from, how long they last, and what happens to the things we use when we’re done with them. We can look to the past and take so much inspiration from life before post-war disposable, single-use plastics came along. I also think education and access are major factors in why so many people don’t shop sustainably. I love to host educational zero waste workshops, so actually providing a place where people can shop locally for those recommended sustainable solutions and “zero waste swaps" was a natural next step.
Epiphany: What’s up next for the business?
For the month of March I’m running a full Pilot Pop Up at #3530 Magazine Street to test out the location as a possible permanent space for NOLA’s very first brick & mortar package-free shop and bulk refill bar. Over time I hope to expand to carry even more products where people can bring back their own jars & containers to refill, package-free, such as coffee, baking soda, bath salts, shampoo, conditioner, etc. So far things are going great and there’s been a lot of support! Folks have been so encouraging and many people say this is exactly what they’ve been hoping for: more sustainable, eco-friendly shopping alternatives available locally.