At the beginning of your plastic-free living journey, you’ll start by using a reusable coffee cup, a reusable water bottle, or a bamboo toothbrush, which you can all now find in nearly any supermarket or even a newsagent who is selling gifts. We have compiled a separate blog article on how to go plastic free where we strongly recommend not to go “cold turkey” but to start with only 1 item first, and then when you mastered the habit of the first one, go to the next one for the first 10 items.
However, after you’ve been trying to lower your plastic waste footprint for a while, after you’ve had your first time Plastic Free July experience or you found some Plastic Free July tips to keep you motivated, sooner or later you are confronted with finding the best plastic free online stores hence why we decided to write an article about it.
What are Package Free or Zero Waste Stores?
Package-free or zero waste stores, sometimes also called bulk stores, if they stock groceries, are businesses that either online or with a physical shop are specialized in selling eco-friendly, plastic free products and package-free goods all in one location so that you can find more items to swap in your sustainable journey in an easy way.
Three Free Checklists to Help you Find Plastic-free Swaps
To help you in this intent, we’ve put together three checklists that will help you swap items around your house room by room, item by item:
- A free plastic-free beginners’ checklist which includes the most common items to start with on your eco-friendly journey. It is offered free of charge for you to download.
- An advanced plastic-free checklist for eco-warriors that goes very in-depth around your house room by room, again suggesting what items to swap with. It took us several months to prepare this workbook based on years of experience in finding sustainable solutions toward a zero-waste lifestyle. It is not free but available to download as a pdf file for a very modest fee.
- A free 4-page microplastic exposure checklist to help you take simple daily steps to reduce your daily exposure to microplastics and plastic associated chemicals.
11 Best Plastic-Free Online Stores for your One-Stop Zero Waste Shopping
In this article, we introduce you to some of the most popular and authentic plastic-free online stores we scouted around the world. These are one-stop online stores that have a large product assortment and sell plastic-free and zero-waste products, for the bathroom, for the kitchen, plastic-free beauty products, eco-conscious presents, sustainable toys, sustainable pet toys and accessories, slow fashion, and even safe and eco-friendly baby products. The products themselves are very innovative, have minimal packaging, and are shipped plastic-free or by reusing packaging from their suppliers. Often such products have also a low carbon footprint because, in the case of common household cleaning products or cosmetics, they come in a concentrated powder form that only needs water to be activated. We decided to list their country by country, or at least geographical area like the European Union, so that you can choose the one that is closer to your location and can, therefore, minimize the carbon footprint of shipping.
We also tried to tell you a bit of the story behind these small sustainable businesses, because it takes a lot of courage to find a new venture and we hope that you will support these amazing changemakers!
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. This helps us continue the hard work we put into researching products and solutions.
Plastic-free Online Shops in the USA
1. I’m Plastic Free Amazon USA Storefront
Yes, after purchasing, testing, and vetting plastic-free products since 2018, we have built our own I’m Plastic Free Amazon USA Storefront with a curated collection of plastic free products from kitchen appliances, to bedding, to underwear, and even toys.
Our mission has always been to make living plastic free and microplastic free simple, practical, and accessible to everyone, no matter where you live in the States or what your budget is. That’s why we’ve created the I’m Plastic Free Amazon USA Storefront, to make it easier and faster for every American to shop plastic free products.
Because if we want real change, we don’t need just a handful of people going zero waste and plastic free… we need millions! Keep an eye on this store as we’re continuing to add new products, as we test them!
Check out I’m Plastic Free Amazon USA Storefront
2. EcoRoots
EcoRoots is a US brand from Phoenix, Arizona. They’re a one-stop brand for zero-waste alternatives of everyday products. From home and cleaning to beauty and skincare products, they offer sustainable, affordable, and zero-waste products for a better you and a better planet, too. They work with different small business owners and vendors from across the United States and around the world to help with sourcing and creating their products which are all cruelty-free.
Shipping: All of their products are manually packed and shipped in packaging that is 100% plastic-free. They use and reuse only recyclable and compostable materials for their shipping supplies. They also work with vendors to ensure that products are shipped plastic-free, and they try to reuse their packaging whenever possible. So, we can proudly say that every part of your package can be composted, reused, or recycled.
Check out the EcoRoots Store on Amazon USA
Image: EcoRoots
3. Zero Waste Store (ZWS)
ZeroWasteStore.com is a trusted platform for sustainable brands, and a community of individuals making a positive impact on our planet. It was launched in 2018 in the USA (Florida) based on the assumption that we must rethink the way we consume. Conventional consumer products are creating an unsustainable amount of waste, particularly plastic waste, and exacerbate the environmental problems that potentially threaten life on the planet as we know it. We can’t afford to ignore the bigger problem at hand with consumerism any longer. Today, they offer a vast range of zero waste products from clean beauty, to household essentials.
Shipping: Carbon neutral free shipping on US orders over $50.
Check out Zero Waste Store (ZWS)
Related: 7 Inventions that will help us Ditch Plastic for Good
Plastic-free Online Shops in Canada
4. Etee (Everything Touches Everything Else)
Etee is a Canadian brand committed to plastic-free living! The brand name refers the idea that “Everything Touches Everything Else,” acting as a constant reminder that our daily actions influence the environment.
All products on their online store are made with 100% biodegradable, natural materials. Whether it’s the packaging on the outside or the ingredients on the inside, everything is from the earth and goes back to the earth. They offer products for plastic free personal care, plastic free kitchen, and plastic free cleaning.
Check out the Etee Store on Amazon USA
Image: Etee
5. Shop WithOut Plastic – SWOP
Ava and Lars believe that living a sustainable lifestyle is not about perfection, but rather about making conscious choices every day to reduce our impact on the planet. It’s about choosing sustainable alternatives to disposable products, reusing what we already have, and educating ourselves about what happens to the waste we produce. For these reasons they set up an online plastic-free shop for beauty, kitchen, and cleaning producs with delivery to Canada and the USA.
Check out Shop Without Plastic – Use code IMPLASTICFREE at checkout for 10% off
Zero-Waste Online Stores in Australia
6. Us & the Earth
Us & the Earth was founded by single-mum Liz Morris in Sydney, Australia as an eco-friendly and sustainable online store for a 40+. As a Mum, she wanted to ensure the best future for the next generation. It’s what we all do now that will determine that and we can fully resonate with this mantra at I’m Plastic Free as it is the same reason we started our platform.
Liz is very aware of the increasingly toxic environment we live in and a lot of that comes from the air pollution, what we ingest through food, and what we put on our skin. Plastics are horrific both for our health, for our environmental living, and for our beautiful oceans. For these reasons, she created Starter Kits for everyone who wants to start their eco-journey with eco boxes with package-free products for your kitchen, beauty, oral care, cleaning, and laundry. These boxes include all the essential reusable swaps, letting you save money and time in researching zero waste reusable products one by one. If you’re an eco-warrior, you can buy the products also individually.
Image: Us & the Earth
7. Biome
Tracey Bailey created Biome in 2003 to empower others with the knowledge and access to carefully-vetted choices that would make a difference. Her dream started 20 years ago when she visited the endangered orangutans in Indonesia and pledged to be part of the change! Soon after opening the first store in Paddington, Brisbane, Tracey’s mother developed a terminal brain tumor. This loss ignited her passion to avoid the unsafe industrial chemicals that brands hide from us. Together with the Biome team today, Tracey continues to delve into misleading claims around palm oil, biodegradable plastics, bamboo fabric, and synthetic fragrances. This eco-online store is, therefore, one of the sustainable e-commerce pioneers in Australia and around the world and offers nearly everything you might be looking for from personal care to slow fashion! Plus, they also have three physical stores in Brisbane, one on the Gold Coast and one in Melbourne.
Image: Biome Naked Beauty Bar
Related: Easy Plastic-free Swaps for Your Bathroom, Kitchen, and Pantry that Work.
Zero-waste Shopping in the UK
8. Jungle Culture
Jungle Culture was founded in 2018 to remedy the damage a single straw can do to our environment. It was first born as Jungle Straws and sold ethically sourced, reusable drinking straws made from bamboo in Northern Vietnam which became best sellers on Amazon. Now, under the Jungle Culture canopy and with a passion for traveling and discovering new cultures, they produce organic coconut bowls, bamboo cutlery, safety razors, shaving soaps, wooden cups, and more. All products are made from sustainable materials and innovatively crafted by leading British designers and Asian artisans.
Check out the Jungle Culture store on Amazon USA – UK
Image: Jungle Culture
9. Battle Green
Like many people, Lucy and her co-founder were feeling increasingly concerned by the stream of reports on the negative environmental impact humans are having on the planet. It’s hard to believe there are more microplastics in the oceans than stars in the Milky Way, or that around 100 million marine mammals die from plastic pollution each year. So in 2018 they founded Battle Green.
Based in beautiful Snowdonia, North Wales, they offer a range of eco-friendly alternatives to everyday items to help you cut down on single-use plastic. Many items are reusable and refillable, allowing you to save money and reduce waste over time. Their zero waste starter kits are available in three sizes, helping anyone to start their zero waste journey, whatever their budget. As huge animals lovers, all their cosmetics are handmade, PETA-certified vegan and cruelty free.
Shipping: Some products are minimally packaged in recycled card, which you have the choice opt out of at checkout if you don’t need it (care instructions are included on the online listing). They only post out using plastic-free, compostable, and recyclable (and often recycled) packaging.
Check out Battle Green on Etsy
Image: Battle Green
Plastic-free Online Shops in the European Union
10. Beewise Amsterdam
Beewise’s founder, Carina, was overwhelmed by the waste she produced every day. A lack of sustainable products in the shops made it difficult to change this. That’s why she decided to do something about it: make eco-friendly products available to everyone and that’s how Beewise Amsterdam was born. Now she sells eco-friendly products for the bathroom, the kitchen and on the go, including natural shampoo bars made with essential oils.
Shipping: free shipping on orders over €50 in the Netherlands and over €90 in Europe.
Check out Beewise Amsterdam on Etsy
Zero Waste Shopping in India
11. Brown Living
Brown Living is India’s first plastic-free marketplace for a wide range of everyday use products, specially curated for a sustainable, vegan, chemical-free, and zero waste lifestyle. Each product is made locally in India and handpicked after evaluating its environmental impact. All orders are packaged & shipped plastic-free. They plant trees from their profits to ensure that your orders are carbon-neutral as well! Their team’s sole aim is to help customers transition into an earth-friendly lifestyle starting from their homes. We aspire to be the preferred destination for those who want to make informed choices and shop consciously, with the least damage to the environment. Join them in this movement and shop only sustainably!
Image: Brown Living
Related: 10 Ways to Say No to Plastic in Your Everyday Life
5 Tips on How to Consciously Buy Online
The following tips are a reminder of conscious consumerism and of the importance of being mindful when buying online without falling for endless clearance or sales.
1. Buy in Bulk and Place Fewer Orders
- To minimize shipping costs, packaging and save money, don’t buy just one item but group products together and buy more items in one order but place fewer orders per year.
2. Split the Costs with a Friend
- Another trick is to agree on a “zero waste shopping list” with a friend and then split the costs. Usually, online stores offer free shipping when reaching a certain amount.
3. Be Careful about the Humidity of Product Storage
- If you live in the tropics don’t stock up on items that can be affected by humidity. We did this mistake which resulted in several products being ruined and not being fit for purpose any longer like dog poo bags that disintegrate or bamboo toothbrushes getting moldy before even being able to use them.
4. Check the Product Reviews Before Buying
- Check product reviews before buying items you never tried before to avoid bad surprises. Many eco-friendly products are a nice-to-have but not strictly necessary and let’s be honest a few of them are useless
5. Ask Yourself if You Really Need that Product
- Ask yourself if you really need to buy those products, particularly if they are on sale. Online stores have some sort of sale or clearance pretty much every week! 🙂 Remember this quote: “The most sustainable product is the one you didn’t buy”. We found this to be very true and to remind us about our minimalistic values.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this overview of the best plastic free online stores we came across around the world was helpful and has helped you find a way to continue your sustainable journey easily. Should you find other genuine one-stop package free online stores, please do not hesitate to leave a comment or email info@implasticfree.com we’ll endeavor to do our due diligence and if they meet our values, then we’ll add them to our list or at least to our directory. Don’t just place links in the comments please, they won’t be approved.
Happy zero-waste shopping!
