Do your bit for the earth with these zero-waste stores
As more people across the globe attempt to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, the zero waste movement, which aims to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible, is gaining traction. Here are five Malaysian zero-waste stores to check out in Klang Valley that not only offer quality products, but are also doing their part to help save the environment.
1. Nude, Petaling Jaya
True to its zero-waste philosophy, Nude in Section 19 Petaling Jaya boasts a clean and minimalist design that still manages to be cosy and welcoming. Like many zero waste stores in KL, the store offers personal care and beauty products, as well as household liquids and cleaners which visitors can fill by bringing their own bottles. There is also a food section, dedicated to edibles, from dry herbs and spices to snacks and biscuits. Co-founder Cheryl Low’s love for pets means that the store offers items for pets as well, including kibbles and litter.
11, Jalan 19/29, Seksyen 19, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
2. Bliss, KL
Tucked within Mingle Cafe along Jalan Sultan in KL is Bliss. It might be small but has a loyal fan base of regulars, as well as curious walk-ins. The store carries a range of personal care and cleaning products, from soaps and detergents, to arts and crafts from local tribes made from recycled materials. Embracing its minimal waste philosophy, patrons bring their own bottles for liquid items, no receipts or flyers are given out, and there are products such as beeswax wraps for keeping food.
55, Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
3. A Bit Less Bulk Store
A Bit Less Bulk Store was started with the aim of reducing single-use plastics and waste from packaging. The store offers a wide variety of goods, including soaps and cleaning products, reusable cutleries, sauces and snacks, as well as locally-sourced organic products such as flour, grains, nuts and vegetables. They also regularly conduct workshops with a focus on healthy and holistic living. While they do provide containers and bags for first timers at a charge, the idea is to encourage patrons to bring their own.
20, Jalan Ambong 4, Kepong Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
4. Frangipani Bulk
Previously operating as an online business, Frangipani Bulk has since opened up a physical store at the artsy new LINC Mall in Kuala Lumpur, so visitors have a place to browse through their wares. Counting such products as mugs, coffee cups, cutleries, lunch boxes, personal hygiene products and organic goods among its repertoire, zero wasters will be spoilt for choice. The spice counter, loaded with exotic herbs and spices of all kinds, is just the place for home cooking enthusiasts.
The Linc, 360 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
5. The Hive Bulk Foods
One of the pioneers of the zero waste store concept in Malaysia, The Hive Bulk Foods offers an extensive selection of over 300 bulk whole foods, cleaning and household products, personal care items and even pet treats. In fact, business for the social enterprise is booming, and they’ve opened a second store to cater to demand, with their original outlet in Bangsar and the second one in Ampang. Aside from encouraging zero waste living, the brand works with local farmers, social enterprises, disabled and refugees for their manufactured products.
92A, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar Park, 59000 Kuala Lumpur; (Ampang) 1F, Hock Choon Supermarket, 241 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
