6 Dallas & Fort Worth Zero Waste Stores For Texas-Sized Sustainability

The hint is in the name; usefull aims to foster thoughtful, ethical, and needs-based consumption.

Owner Adriana started the store because she seriously wanted to reduce the amount of waste she was generating and local sustainable shopping options were then almost nonexistent. She’s now the proud owner of greater Dallas’ first refillery and zero waste shop, offering personal and home care products in a refill format plus everyday essentials that are plastic-free.

This pop-shop shop currently makes the rounds among all manner of local markets, but plans are afoot to open a permanent Dallas zero waste storefront.

usefull only buys from companies that are committed to protecting the environment. Suppliers are vetted to ensure their products are ethically sourced and produced.

Categories include everyday reusables and a whole range of refill products, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, body lotion, dish soap, and all-purpose cleaners. There’s also an unscented laundry detergent that uses the natural cleansing power of coconut. Order 1 gallon and you get 10% off your order.

You can take your own container to refill or use one of their community bottles. Glass bottles are also available to purchase and keep reusing.

Husband and wife-owned Davis Street Mercantile is a “modern take on the American general store”. While they’re not exclusively plastic-free, they have tons of unique options that promote slower, old fashioned living—with a massive range and 7,000 ft retail space stocked with everything from wood-fired pizza ovens and food to gifts and jewelry. Homeware, garden items, cooking tools, stationery, clothing for all shapes and sizes, you name it, and you’ll likely find it on Davis Street.

In terms of zero waste or bulk items, there are laundry and dish soap, shampoos, and conditioners. Zero waste tea lovers will find tons of different loose-leaf blends and varieties packaged in either reusable tons or cardboard boxes from brands like Octavia Tea and Big heart Tea.

As a community and creative hub, you’ll also find countless workshops on things like pottery painting, wreath making, and candle making.

At Green Thistle Emporium, the focus is sustainability and supporting small businesses through their selections of gifts, vintage and upcycled clothing, and home goods as well as handmade items from local artisans.

Additionally, they offer a refillery stocked with household and personal care products, including refillable body wash, face cleanser, sugar scrubs, bath salts, solid shampoo and conditioner. Once you’ve cleaned your body, clean your home with their refillable cleaning products, such as bathroom and window cleaning tabs, all-purpose cleaners, and dish soap.

A special offer for anyone starting their zero waste journey includes a mason jar with a pump, a market bag, a set of reusable produce bags, and a free refill at the refillery.

Don’t miss their monthly workshop classes on handcrafting and upcycling techniques, such as making a picture out of upcycled jewelry, lamp making, and embroidery.

WinCo Foods may be one of the largest grocery chains in the US, but they stand out for being one of the largest ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) companies. In 2017, they also became a founding member of Certified Employee-Owned, an alliance of companies dedicated to building a voice for employee ownership.

While they still carry all the usual plastic-laden grocery items, WinCo’s bulk food department is a real win(co), boasting over 800 items on average (location depending). In it, you’ll find natural foods, organic products, gluten-free items, different flavored coffee beans, snacks, and much more. Items like oatmeal, steel cut oats, granola, and cereal are significantly more affordable in the bulk section, not to mention far less costly on the planet.

In recent efforts to cater to more dietary needs like gluten-free, their bulk food department now offers things like green lentil penne and chickpea elbow pasta.

You’ll find a number of these bulk stores in Fort Worth and Dallas both, along with countless more across the United States.

With numerous Fort Worth and Dallas refill stores making low-waste shopping convenient for everyone, Sprouts Family Market stands as a beacon of fresh, wholesome goodness in the bustling Texan landscape. With a commitment to quality, affordability, and sustainability, they offer a diverse array of products that cater to every palate and preference.

From grains and nuts to spices and snacks, the bulk bins offer a treasure trove of options for anyone looking to reduce packaging waste and save money. A favorite is the snacks and candy section that caters to all tastes, whether you’re looking for something healthy or just want to buy a pound of gummy worms.

Something that sets Sprouts apart is its commitment to fostering a sense of community and connection, and a dedication to supporting local farmers.

Natural Grocers started in 1955 in Colorado with the dream that everyone should be able to afford a healthy and active lifestyle. They’ve now grown to over 168 stores in 21 states.

Community is at the heart of Natural Grocers, which is why they support the efforts of non-profit groups, donate products, participate in fundraising efforts, and conduct fundraising drives for their community partners.

When you shop at one of their Dallas bulk food stores and bring your bag, they donate five cents per shopping trip to the local food bank. They also run a SCRIP/Gift Card Fundraising Program and established The Natural Grocers Heroes in Aprons Fund.

Wind power is used to produce most of the plastic used in bulk packaging—or opt for their plastic-free bulk stock, which are non-GMO and 62% are certified organic. Overall, they have strict bulk product standards, including a ban on artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, preservatives, hydrogenated oils, or other fake fats.

In terms of what you can buy, bulk items include beans, bodycare, candy, cereals, dried fruit, flour and baking ingredients, organic snacks, herbs and spices, nuts, rice and grains, salt, seeds, sugars, and tea. We love their single-ingredient US-sourced raw bulk almonds that are steam pasteurized, and their bulk whey protein powder made from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows.