Your ultimate guide to sustainable, low-waste shopping in Perth.
Are you wanting to reduce your waste and incorporate sustainable shopping practises into your day-to-day life? Or, is your pantry simply needing a zero-waste makeover?
Now has never been a better time to hop on board the low-waste train thanks to Australia’s vast collection of bulk food stores. On our hunt for sustainable shopping, we’ve also found businesses that sell eco-friendly products such as homewares, toiletries and garden appliances, so you can start living sustainably in all areas of your life.
We’ve got you covered with our list of the eight best sustainable, low-waste, bulk food stores in Perth. Perfect if you want to avoid those pesky plastics – just remember to bring your own bottles and jars to pour your flour, olive oil and cereals into. You’ll be feeling green in no time!
Why should we shop in bulk?
According to an article by the ABC, about 130,000 tonnes of Australian plastic ends up in waterways and oceans each year – and that’s not including the remaining in landfill. And, as we know by now, plastic does not biodegrade. It will only wear down to smaller pieces called microplastics which will continue to harm the planet.
Image supplied by Kate Jones.
The Storehouse
This one-stop-shop sells a plethora of bulk foods including olive oil, sweet treats, spices, flour, honey, grains and roasted coffee. Plus, dotted around the store you’ll find paper bags and glass jars for your use. The Storehouse also provides a peanut butter machine where you can crush their peanuts into a delicious paste, and a kombucha tap complete with growlers for you to take home. As for toiletries, there are deodorant pastes, face masks and shampoo bars available, all plastic-free. The Storehouse is your go-to spot in Fremantle for numerous bulk food options.
Photographed by Andrew Atkinson. Image via Shutterstock
The Source Bulk Foods
One of the largest bulk food retailers in Australia, The Source Bulk Foods know a thing or two about zero-waste shopping. With over 60 stores nation-wide, with three in Perth (Floreat, Victoria Park and Clarkson), The Source is at the forefront of the zero-waste movement, having already saved thousands of kilograms of plastic from entering landfill. Supporting ocean conservation group Sea Shepherd, they have helped raised tens of thousands of dollars towards protecting our oceans. Whilst in-store visitors can browse through hundreds of bulk food bins as well as oils, local honey, eco-friendly cleaning products and personal hygiene products. Customers are encouraged to bring their own jars and bags for their shop.
Photographed by Karolina Grabowska. Image via Pexels
The Clean Food Store
This wholefood and bulk store in Subiaco sells organic produce, juices, bulked groceries and freshly made lunches and desserts. The quaint shop has a food cabinet with the specialties of the day, such as vegan carrot cake, roast pumpkin salad and freshly baked muffins. Along the store’s walls are the bulk food dispensers offering all the grocery and pantry essentials you could need. And, better yet, if you bring along your reusable mug you can save a few cents off your coffee that pairs perfectly with their freshly baked strawberry muffins – the best after-shop treat.
Image supplied by Kate Jones.
Manna Wholefoods & Cafe
Manna is a bustling cafe and store selling an array of eco-friendly products. Perfect for filling up your pantry, you’ll find all sorts of groceries with many vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly options. There are also organic fruits and vegetables on display, and a bulk food section at the rear of the store for all of your spice, herb and tea needs. Thanks to Manna you’ll also find reef-friendly sunscreen, eco shampoos, wooden toothbrushes, plant-based laundry liquid and reusable kitchenwares (think silicon food covers and produce bags). Before or after your shop, reward yourself at the cafe by taking a seat in the alfresco dining area so you can munch on their delectable menu featuring salads, curries, vegan pies, smoothies and more.
Photographed by Polina Tankilevitch. Image via Pexels
Wasteless Pantry
Those residing north of the river will be happy to know there are a few bulk food stores in Perth’s eastern suburbs. The Wasteless Pantry is a large bulk food store presenting customers with coffee beans, nuts, pancake pix, rolled oats, baking goods and many other bulked goods. All products are sourced as locally as possible, and you can find some great recipes on their website – perfect for when you have a pantry full of goodies! Although they originated in Mundaring, the Wasteless Pantry now has two other stores, in Bassendean and Greenwood.
Photographed by Frank Eiffert. Image via Unsplash
Kakulas Sister
With stores in Fremantle, Northbridge and Nollamara, Kakulas Sister has been serving sustainable, bulk food alternatives to the Perth community for years. The Kakulas family immigrated from Greece in the early 1920s and made it their mission to stock zero-waste options. Kakulas Sister displays several spices, nuts, cereals and legumes in bulk, as well as after-dinner treats like Turkish Delight and dried fruits. As for something savoury, expect to also find sauces, pasta, teas, curry pastes and the like, many of which originate from overseas and are otherwise hard to come by in Perth.
Photographed by Toa Heftiba. Image via Unsplash
Zero Store
The Zero Store specialises in plastic-free products, homewares and gifts to turn your home into the ultimate low-waste haven. Their brick-and-mortar store is attached to the Fremantle eatery Mother, which serves up local wines and sustainably produced gourmet meals. At the Zero Store, you’ll find environmentally friendly products from coffee cups, makeup and skincare, candles, cleaning products and children’s toys. Zero Store’s range also extends to an online store, so low-waste and plastic-free living can be even more accessible.
Photographed by Toa Heftiba. Image via Unsplash
Urban Revolution
The Urban Revolution is an eco and garden store, providing household products and garden tools that are sustainably produced. Their range extends from coffee mugs to compost kits and everything in between. Striving to minimise waste in landfill, Urban Revolution also has a free recycling program initiative where they’ll recycle those ordinarily hard to recycle products such as plastic toothbrushes, bread tags, pens and more. If you’d rather shop at home, their online store also has over 1000 products, with plenty of recycling and composting tips also available on their website.
