10 Zero Waste Stores In Philadelphia Declaring Plastic Independence

Ray’s Reusables is a well-loved NoLibs refillery with a mobile van eco-shop for all your zero waste Philadelphia needs.

Their range of sustainable goods includes reusable paper towels, beeswax wraps, and bamboo cutlery, plus popular zero waste refills like organic hand wash, laundry detergent, and dish soap. Some of their more unique products include rosemary and orange all-purpose cleaner, flaxseed and oat protein hair gel, and charcoal infused facial exfoliating sponges.

With a simple ethos of making sustainable shopping more accessible for all, the shop also offers a number of events and pop-ups that support local brands and the journey to low waste living.

The waste-free shop is also involved with two Philly-based recycling programs—Bottle Underground (for glass) and Rabbit Recycling (for difficult-to-recycle items like foil lined snack wrappers, twist ties, and corks).

For all your plastic-free and low-waste shopping needs, look no further than Good Buy Supply. Self-titled a “Sustainable General Store,” this Philadelphia zero waste shop on East Passyunk is chock-full of items and resources to help you live a more environmentally friendly life.

At this refill store, Philadelphia locals can bring their own clean containers and load up on home and body care essentials like body wash, shampoo bars, hand and dish soaps, all-purpose cleaners, and laundry products. They also sell housewares and plastic-free alternatives like reusable coffee mugs, zero waste coffee filters, and reusable paper towels. Their Refill Rewards program honors a 20% discount on your 10th in-store refill.

They support local suppliers and women-owned businesses, and are members of 1% for the Planet. They also ship anywhere in the US using repurposed packing materials with carbon neutral shipping.

Reading Terminal Market is America’s oldest continuously operating farmer’s market. For over 130 years, this iconic Philly shopping destination has provided a bustling marketplace and “gastronomic bazaar” to city residents and visitors alike.

Whether you want handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing or bulk spices, Philadelphia residents can find a huge eclectic mix of… well, everything! Some drool-worthy offerings include fresh eggs, baked goods, local produce, spices, teas, bulk items, flowers, dairy, meats, poultry, seafood, and prepared ethnic foods. With nearly 100 different vendors, be sure to check out their market map and make a plan to find what you need.

Considered one of America’s finest markets, there is something for everyone at Reading Terminal Market and you don’t have to wait for the weekend. They’re open daily from 8am to 6pm.

With a 50+ year history of environmental and social action, Weavers Way Co-op is more than a low waste grocery co-op. It’s a community hub for sustainability education, recycling programs, community grants programs, food bank donations, and environmental efforts via 100% renewable energy and commitment to plastic eradication.

You’ll find four of their bulk grocery stores in Philadelphia, as well as two vegetable farms and an orchard they own and operate. Membership is encouraged, but not mandatory to shop.

Stop in every Weigh It Wednesday with your own containers for 10% off your bulk purchase. Some of the best bulk stores Philadelphia offers, you’ll find a huge bulk section loaded with grains, cereals, spices, maple syrup, raw honey, candy, dried fruits, sustainable snacks, and more. Bring bottles (or buy some on site if need-be) to fill from their kombucha, oil, and vinegar taps.

That’s in addition fresh baked goods, fresh and organic produce, and countless other organic food items not in zero waste packaging.

For 35 years, MOM has served as a caring and purpose-driven independent organic food store, Philadelphia and beyond. With dozens of locations across America and three in the greater Philadelphia area, MOM is committed to environmental protection through electric car charging stations, solar and wind power for a number of store locations, a zero plastic bag policy, energy conservation, and a regular recycling drive.

MOM is also committed to social justice through programs like Green Amendments For the Generations, plus exhibits transparency by publishing a yearly sustainability report.

Shop for 100% sustainable seafood, organic produce, MOM’s organic coffee, and an extensive BYOC (Bring Your Own Container) bulk section. Check their online menu to see which locations carry which items in bulk.

For more than five decades, West Philadelphia’s Mariposa Food Co-op has provided its community with access to natural, wholesome, and organic foods. While you don’t have to become a member-owner to shop, for a one-time payment of $200, you get access to numerous member benefits, such as voting abilities and profit shares.

Mariposa offers organic and locally grown produce, a fresh bakery, local meats, wild or sustainably harvested seafood, salads-to-go by the weight, and an extensive bulk section with just about every kind of nut, grain, oat, spice, flour, sugar, and other pantry staples. The shop also features bulk body care items like peppermint bath salts and lavender soap.

Through their Food For All program, low-income folks can become a member for half price and receive a 10% regular discount.

Voted as “Philly’s best local market” with two locations to better serve the City of Murals, Riverwards Produce is a haven of all things quality, organic, local, and affordable.

That means fresh local organic produce, locally raised meat and eggs, bread from local bakeries, cheeses from local cheese makers, extensive vegan options, and fresh cut flowers from local farms. You’ll also find a bulk section of nuts and grains, though these may be sourced from other locations.

The stylish market helps reduce food waste by featuring dollar produce bags of soon-to-go-off fruits and veggies and participating in a citywide composting program.

South Philly Food Co-op’s mission “is to use food as a force for good – at our tables, in our community and for our planet”. You don’t have to be a member to shop here, but it’s a community worth supporting.

The co-op does its best to acquire items that are fair trade, regionally produced, organic, and sustainable (like meats from farms that prioritize animal welfare), offering them at affordable prices.

More of a low waste grocery store in Philadelphia than a zero waste one, they offer low-waste products from the deli counter and in their full bulk section filled with pantry staples. They currently sell kombucha on tap, but be on the lookout for cold brew coming soon.

Netflix, steep, and chill?

Quality bulk loose-leaf teas are what you’ll find at Premium Steap, Philadelphia’s premier stop for all things tea-related.

For any kind of black, green, herbal, and white tea you can imagine, this specialty zero waste tea shop probably carries it. Customer favorites include French Breakfast Tea, Wedding Chai, Coconut Oolong, Tibetan Tiger Tea, and Ginger & Turmeric Kapha Ayurvedic Tea.

With hundreds of products for your baking, cooking, and snacking needs, The Larder is a Philadelphia bulk store worth its weight. This feel-good old time-y shop encourages you to bring your own container, as everything is sold by the ounce (or pound!)

It’s a Philly favorite for its friendly atmosphere, extensive selection, and reasonable prices.

It’s also the holy grail of bulk, including nuts, dried fruits, candy, herbs and spices, coffee beans, loose-leaf tea, snack and trail mixes, pretzels, dry baking goods, sugar, sprinkles, flour, oats, and so much more.