My first time in a zero waste shop

Feb 24, 2018
3 min read

Buying organic, fresh and fair trade food without using packaging by bringing your own bags and containers. That's the concept of the shop we are planning to visit. Located in the heart of Munich, capitol of Bavaria, the shop has a nondescript front, only the small, cute sign above the door gives a hint that we are at the right address.

We peak through the high windows and take a look inside. It is as minimalistic as we assumed. We enter. Surprisingly, the shop is pretty packed, even though it is a friday noon.

I am amazed. In one corner, there is a shack full of fresh fruit and vegetables- all without plastic of course. I spot a little bakery offering fresh, warm bread that smells heavenly, as well as other baked goods. It is set up like a little bistro that with a glass counter and a big board with a list of drinks on it. From matcha lattes and cappuccinos to sandwiches and other little nibbles, there is a mouthwatering variety of food you can get and enjoy at one of the long benches that face the busy streets. We also stumble across vegan, organic cosmetics and detergents that all smell heavenly. I pull out the bags and containers i brought and start filling them with some brown rice and lentils. I realise really fast: their suppliers are regional and organic.

They also sell a large range of containers, glass jars of every size and reusable cotton bags for vegetables and fruits, so don't worry if you are new to this lifestyle and haven't stocked up on this equipment yet.

I reach the section of my dreams: granola, nuts and seeds in big glass jars. It takes a lot of will power to resist the urge to fill every box I have with fresh cashews and apple-cinnamon granola, but eventually i end up just buying some trail mix (salted almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, raisins and sunflower seeds-divine!)

A nice employee explains me how it works: You fill the groceries into your own bags and containers, once you're done shopping, you head to the cash register where your groceries get weighted. Pay and there you go: I just completed my first zero-waste shopping trip.

What to keep in mind

Especially if you are doing your weekly shopping: bring a lot of bags or prepare to buy some at the store! Don't underestimate how much space fresh, unprocessed groceries take. It also takes some time to get used to roughly estimate the weight of the food so that you have an idea on how much to pay. It is also worth mentioning that this is not the same as your usual, big supermarket. You only get vegetables and fruits that are in season and regional, so, you take what you get. You'll also struggle to find a lot of quick on the go snacks, such as bars or chips which makes it almost impossible to buy junk food and processed snacks. So a win-win, for both your health and wallet.

Would I do it again?

Yes, definitely! Regarding the price range, it's obviously not as cheap as shopping at your favourite discounter, you could rather compare it with the prices in organic markets. But since you are just buying what you really need and rid yourself of processed foods, you won't spend significantly more money than usual. While shopping all these whole foods, I began to get really excited and started imagining what I would cook with these groceries. The atmosphere is relaxed, casual and laid back- no one is rushing but always up for a little chat. Also, knowing that you work against environmental pollution and instead support fair trade and local farmers and suppliers is a great feeling.