Omar Khalid
New York State has been taking steps to address plastic pollution, with state and city leaders passing new legislation to curb the use of plastic straws, bags, foam containers, and other single-use plastic items. Despite these efforts, plastic pollution remains a significant issue, especially in Manhattan, where microplastics have been detected in the Hudson River. With the challenges of avoiding plastic and the lack of comprehensive policies, individuals are increasingly seeking ways to reduce their plastic consumption. In Manhattan, several shops and refilleries cater to this growing demand for plastic-free shopping, offering bulk foods, household cleaning supplies, and personal care products. These stores provide sustainable alternatives to traditional grocery stores, allowing consumers to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic pollution in New York | Microplastics found in the Hudson River near Manhattan |
| Plastic pollution legislation | Banning plastic straws, bags, foam containers, and other single-use plastic items |
| Refill and Zero-Waste shops in NYC | A Sustainable Village, Common Good, Diaperkind, Earth & Me, Good Bottle Refill Shop, La Nature, Maison Jar, Package Free Shop |
| Bulk food shops in NYC | Brooklyn Fare, Bushwick Food Co-op, Fairway Market, Flower Power Herbs and Roots, Fountain House + Body, Fourth Street Co-op, Health Nuts, Lifethyme Market, Murray's Sturgeon Shop, North Country Food Co-op, Pelaez Produce, Uptown Whole Foods |
| Plastic bag alternatives | Paper bags, organic cotton totes |
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What You'll Learn
Refill and zero-waste shops
If you're looking to shop without plastic in Manhattan, there are a number of refill and zero-waste shops to choose from.
A Sustainable Village is a refill and zero-waste shop in NYC with two locations in Queens and delivery to Brooklyn and Manhattan. They offer a range of zero-waste products, including shampoo, lotion, deodorant, and household items like low-waste kitchen scrubbers and stain removers. They also have refill stations for home and body care products like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, laundry detergent, and more.
Common Good is another option, with refill stations located across New York City, from Greenwich Village to Cypress Hills. This woman-owned business offers plant-based, paraben and sulfate-free products that are not tested on animals. You can find refill boxes to create your own refillery at home, as well as pay-by-ounce refillable products for your hands, body, and home.
Maison Jar is a woman-owned shop in Brooklyn that provides a selection of zero-waste products and a "refillery" for household and personal care items. They also have a grocery section with local produce, pantry goods, and treats from farms and small businesses in the NY area. They offer sustainability workshops and aim to bridge the gap between sustainability and affordability.
Precycle is a zero-waste food store in NYC that offers organic fruits, local eggs, and bulk pantry staples. The owner sources products independently from local farms and sustainable food systems. You can also find laundry detergents, dishwashing liquid, and Castile soap, as well as reusable tote bags.
Local Roots is another option for low-waste produce and food products. They are a regenerative food system committed to connecting city dwellers with local farms and offering access to local produce and food.
These shops offer a great opportunity to reduce plastic pollution and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.
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Bulk food and household cleaning supplies
If you're looking to shop for bulk food and household cleaning supplies without plastic in Manhattan, there are several options to consider:
Bulk Food Options:
- Maison Jar: They offer bulk foods, teas, coffee, and other low-waste goods.
- Malko Karkanni Bros.: A dedicated bulk food store with a variety of options.
- Lexington Co-op: Known for their selection of bulk foods and teas.
- Bushwick Food Co-op: Specialising in bulk foods and teas.
- Marilla's Mindful Supplies: Offering bulk foods, teas, coffee, and household cleaning supplies.
- Green Star Natural Foods Market: Find bulk foods, teas, and personal care products here.
- Brooklyn Fare: Stocks bulk foods and household cleaning supplies.
- Oriental Pastry and Grocery: Specialises in bulk herbs, spices, teas, and more.
Household Cleaning Supplies Options:
- Precycle: Offers bulk household cleaning supplies and personal care products, with an emphasis on sustainability and locally sourced products.
- La Nature: A refillery offering bulk cleaning supplies and personal care products.
- Little Salmon: Provides bulk cleaning supplies and personal care products.
- Farmbody Skincare: Specialises in bulk household cleaning supplies and personal care products, with an eco-friendly focus.
- Folk Refillery & Supply: Offers bulk cleaning supplies and personal care products, promoting sustainable choices.
- Common Good: Dedicated to providing bulk household cleaning products.
- 4th Street Coop: Along with bulk food options, they offer laundry powder, soap, dish tablets, all-purpose cleaners, and more.
- A Sustainable Village: Refill your household cleaning essentials like laundry detergent, dish soap, hand soap, and more.
- Honest Weight Co-op: Stocks bulk teas and household cleaning supplies.
Remember to bring your own containers and bags when shopping at these stores to further reduce your plastic consumption. By choosing to shop at these locations, you're not only reducing your plastic waste but also supporting local businesses and sustainable practices.
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Plastic bag alternatives
Plastic bags are incredibly harmful to the planet, its human population, and its wildlife. They contaminate soil and waterways, injure and kill animals, and release dangerous chemicals over time. Here are some plastic bag alternatives to help you shop more sustainably in Manhattan:
Reusable Bags
Reusable bags made from materials like cotton, canvas, and mesh are a great alternative to single-use plastic bags. You can find these bags in various styles, such as totes, backpacks, and produce bags. They are versatile, washable, sturdy, and can be used for groceries, produce, and other shopping items. Some reusable bags, like Stasher Bags, are also suitable for storing food and keeping leftovers fresh in the fridge.
Biodegradable Bags
Biodegradable trash liners and pet waste bags are plant-based alternatives to plastic bags. These bags are chemical-free, decompose within 3 to 6 months, and can be paired with leash dispensers for easy use. Biodegradable bags are a sustainable option for those who want to reduce their waste without compromising convenience.
Upcycling
Instead of purchasing new bags, you can upcycle items you already have. For example, if you have a collection of plastic grocery bags at home, you can reuse them for your next shopping trip or use them as trash liners. You can also get creative and transform old items into new bags, such as turning old clothes into tote bags or using backpacks for shopping.
Refillable Containers
Refillable containers are another way to reduce plastic waste. In Manhattan, stores like A Sustainable Village in NYC offer refill stations for home and body care products like soap, shampoo, conditioner, and laundry detergent. By bringing your own containers, you can purchase these products without the plastic packaging typically found in grocery stores. Some refillable containers, like stainless steel lunchboxes, can also be used to pack meals and store food.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
When shopping in Manhattan, look for stores that offer eco-friendly packaging or no packaging at all. Precycle in NYC is one such store, providing locally and responsibly sourced foods and basics without plastic trappings. By supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability, you can reduce your plastic consumption and contribute to a greener Manhattan.
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Plastic straw alternatives
Plastic straws are a major contributor to plastic pollution, with thousands of straws lying on coasts and beaches worldwide. They can choke marine animals or be mistaken for food, and they take around 500 years to decompose. To reduce plastic waste, many businesses are embracing alternatives to plastic straws. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives to plastic straws:
Paper Straws
Paper straws are a popular alternative to plastic straws. They are biodegradable and compostable, and made from so-called "green materials". Paper straws have improved in durability thanks to advanced protective coatings, and they now come in “bendy” designs and larger sizes for bubble tea. However, they can become soggy if left in liquid for too long, and they may not be suitable for hot drinks as they can quickly break down, requiring a new straw for each drink.
Bamboo Straws
Bamboo straws are another sustainable option. Bamboo grows in reeds, providing a single piece of material that is shaped into a straw. They are cost-effective and can be composted when they show signs of wear. Bamboo straws are recommended to be hand-washed and air-dried.
Glass Straws
Glass straws are an attractive and eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws. They are made from borosilicate, a highly durable commercial glass, and can withstand both hot and cold beverages. Glass straws are easy to clean and can be washed in the dishwasher. They come in various shapes and sizes and offer a unique drinking experience as you can see the beverage move up and down the straw.
Stainless Steel Straws
Stainless steel straws are a durable and long-lasting alternative to plastic. They are typically made from food-grade stainless steel, which is resistant to rust, corrosion, and breakage. They are easy to clean and have a smooth surface, offering a sleek drinking experience. Some stainless steel straws are also collapsible, making them ideal for travel. However, some people may find the metallic taste and hard feeling of these straws off-putting.
Pine Wood Straws
Pine wood straws are a sustainable alternative to plastic straws. They are made from wafer-thin pine wood from sustainable forestry and shaped into drinking straws. They can withstand hot drinks and do not soften even after hours in the liquid. They have a natural look that fits into any beach bar or restaurant with a natural flair.
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Personal care products
There are several shops in Manhattan that offer personal care products without the use of plastic packaging. Many of these stores offer refill services for household cleaning supplies and personal care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and laundry detergent. Some stores that offer these products include:
- A Sustainable Village
- Common Good
- Earth & Me
- Good Bottle Refill Shop
- La Nature
- Maison Jar
- Lovewild Design
- Little Salmon
- REFILLERY
- Farmbody Skincare
- Marilla's Mindful Supplies
- Cold Spring Apothecary
- Understory Market
- The Package Free Shop
In addition to these refill stores, there are other options for reducing plastic waste when shopping for personal care products. For example, you can donate, sell, or recycle cosmetics and beauty products through platforms such as MUABS or Poshmark. You can also recycle nail polish bottles through tenoverten, which partners with a chemical recycling and disposal company.
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Frequently asked questions
You can try stores like Brooklyn Fare, Bushwick Food Co-op, North Country Food Co-op, Uptown Whole Foods, and Fourth Street Co-op.
Yes, you can try A Sustainable Village, Common Good, Earth & Me, Fountain House + Body, Good Bottle Refill Shop, La Nature, and Maison Jar.
Bring your own reusable containers and bags when shopping. You can also look for refill stores that allow you to bring your own containers, like A Sustainable Village.
Manhattan has banned plastic straws, bags, and foam containers. Restaurants can only provide plastic straws upon customer request or from a self-service dispenser.
