lifestyle

6 Types Of Groceries And Essentials You Can Find In Klang Valley Zero Waste Stores

Many eco-friendly alternatives can be a lot cheaper.

Cover image via A Bit Less Bulk Store/Facebook & NUDE The Zero Waste Store/Facebook

1. Detergents and other cleaning agents

Image via J Soon/JUICE

Instead of constantly buying new products in plastic packaging, reuse old plastic or glass bottles by filling them with household cleaning products from zero waste stores.

I've switched from buying laundry detergent at supermarkets to refilling it at KitaRefill and the price comes up to slightly cheaper for the same amount. Plus you can still enjoy fresh-smelling clothes by getting them to add fragrance!

You can find detergents and other household cleaning agents at:

- KitaRefill (Petaling Jaya, Kajang, and Taman Desa)
- A Bit Less Bulk Store (Kepong)
- NUDE The Zero Waste Store (Petaling Jaya)
- Conzerve (Bukit Jelutong)
- Go Bulk (Cyberjaya)
- The Hive (Bangsar, Ampang, and Taman Tun Dr Ismail)
- Zero Waste Earth Store (Setia Alam)
- Seedy Zero Waste Store (Kota Kemuning)
- Liquid Etc (Klang)

2. Skincare products

There are many underrated yet good homegrown skincare brands that are packaged in recyclable containers.

This includes deodorant, makeup remover, face masks, serums, and other products. Many of which are sold at local zero waste stores near you.

You can find them at:
- The Hive (Bangsar, Ampang, and Taman Tun Dr Ismail) 
- Frangipani Bulk (Kuala Lumpur)
- A Bit Less Bulk Store (Kepong)
- Seedy Zero Waste Store (Kota Kemuning)
- Liquid Etc (Klang)
- Zero Waste Earth Store (Setia Alam)
- NUDE The Zero Waste Store (Petaling Jaya)

3. Grains, noodles, and nuts

Stock up on pasta, noodles, nuts, and grains (like rice!) by filling up reusable jars and containers.

These items are usually sold by the gramme, which makes it easy for you to get almost any amount you'd like. 

You can find them at:

- 33 Rice Mart (Petaling Jaya, Kepong Baru, Selayang Jaya, Desa Jaya, and Jinjang Utara)
- NUDE The Zero Waste Store (Petaling Jaya)
- The Hive (Bangsar, Ampang, and Taman Tun Dr Ismail)
- Seedy Zero Waste Store (Kota Kemuning)
- Liquid Etc (Klang)
- Go Bulk (Cyberjaya)

4. Bamboo toothbrushes, women's essentials, and other personal care

Having to go through a countless number of pads every month can really take a toll on the environment. More women have been recently swapping to menstrual cups and reusable pads to be more eco-friendly. 

Making small changes like replacing plastic toothbrushes with bamboo versions and refilling body wash instead of buying new bottles are just some ways you can reduce waste.
 
You can find them at:
- NUDE The Zero Waste Store (Petaling Jaya)
- A Bit Less Bulk Store (Kepong)
- The Hive (Bangsar, Ampang, and Taman Tun Dr Ismail)
- Seedy Zero Waste Store (Kota Kemuning)
- Frangipani Bulk (Kuala Lumpur)
- Liquid Etc (Klang)
- Zero Waste Earth Store (Setia Alam)
- Conzerve (Bukit Jelutong)
- Go Bulk (Cyberjaya)

5. Reusable containers, straws, and other kitchen utensils

If you tapau food or bring lunches from home to office, there are great environmentally friendly alternatives to store food and drinks. 

With more restaurants slowly eliminating plastic straws, getting an alternative like a metal straw can be an option - if you really need one!

You can find them at:
- The Hive (Bangsar, Ampang, and Taman Tun Dr Ismail)
- Frangipani Bulk (Kuala Lumpur)
- Seedy Zero Waste Store (Kota Kemuning)
- Liquid Etc (Klang)
- A Bit Less Bulk Store (Kepong)
- Zero Waste Earth Store (Setia Alam)

6. Tea, spices, and other condiments

Refill jars with spices and other condiments like salt, sugar, soy sauces, and oils that you can find at several zero waste stores in Klang Valley.

Some of these stores, like NUDE and Liquid Etc, also sell pet food and treats for your animals.

You can find condiments and such at:

- Go Bulk (Cyberjaya)
- Frangipani Bulk (Kuala Lumpur)
- Liquid Etc (Klang)
- Seedy Zero Waste Store (Kota Kemuning)
- NUDE The Zero Waste Store (Petaling Jaya)

Here are suggestions for ways you can recycle used items like clothes and electronics:

You can also reduce the use of plastic shampoo bottles by swapping to these alternatives:

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