With all this talk about China’s National Sword program and the implications for recycling in Australia, we at Wasteless Pantry (your local zero waste lifestyle store) thought it would be a good time to have a chat about waste.
Recycling is a tool to help divert resources from landfill but it is not the best answer. So recycle, but only those materials that you couldn’t avoid buying in the first place, couldn’t minimise the need for, couldn’t reuse or repair.
Never let perfection stop you from starting, any little improvement you make is still worth making.
Try out replacing a disposable with a reusable one from our zero waste lifestyle store (in Western Australia and online), rethink your purchases to minimise waste and learn what you can about how to lessen your impact whilst still enjoying life.
Reducing waste is on everyone’s mind these days, and you’re doing your part by bringing your own containers and bags when you shop. But what if the places where you shop cared just as much about waste as you do? At Wasteless Pantry, we believe that waste reduction goes beyond the consumer—it’s built into the way we run our store.
Our Mission Statement
At Wasteless Pantry, we are committed to supporting the local community and providing education to cultivate a “zero waste” lifestyle, while role modeling best practices in food retail waste management.
We take this responsibility seriously. Recently, we submitted an application to the Waste Authority of WA Infinity Awards, showcasing how we not only encourage our customers to live sustainably but how we actively reduce waste on a daily basis. Here’s a snapshot of how we do it:
Minimizing waste in operations: In May 2017, Wasteless Pantry generated just 1.39kg of landfill waste. To put that into perspective, it’s less than 0.5% of what the average Western Australian household creates each month.
Commitment to recycling: 100% of recyclable waste produced in the store was recycled, far surpassing the 47% recycling rate of typical food retail stores.
Composting organic waste: 95% of our organic waste was composted, showing our dedication to keeping waste out of landfill.
Helping our community: Not only do we manage our own waste, but we also divert recyclable waste from the community, creating a hub for sustainability.
A Model for Waste Reduction
While we’re proud to be a bulk food store, we’re even prouder of our dedication to zero waste principles as a zero waste bulk food store. By shopping at Wasteless Pantry, you are actively contributing to a store that generates less than 1% of the average landfill waste produced by the food retail sector per employee. Our goal is to make it easy for you to turn your values into tangible actions—whether it’s buying just what you need or cutting out single-use plastics entirely.
Why It Matters
The rate of waste generation is rapidly increasing in the average household, and although many people are alarmed by this, they often feel powerless to make significant changes. We’re here to show you that reducing waste is not only possible—it’s achievable. By choosing Wasteless Pantry, you are supporting a business that has woven zero waste principles into every aspect of its operations. From reducing landfill waste to supporting recycling and composting, we’re doing everything we can to lead by example.
We’re not just another bulk food store. Wasteless Pantry is here to role model how zero waste living can be easy, effective, and rewarding. Join us in making a difference.
Need help understanding food labels? At Wasteless Pantry, we know that clear and informative food labelling is essential for our customers, especially in a bulk food store where details about ingredients, origin, and pricing can vary. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to understand our labels, so you can shop confidently and make informed choices about the products you buy.
Organic and Spray-Free Products: Any product that is certified organic or spray-free will have a green outline on its label, making it easy to spot healthier and eco-friendly options.
Country of Origin: We specify the country of origin for each product, so you know where your food comes from and can choose products that align with your values, whether it’s local or international.
Allergen Information: Allergens are clearly labeled to help you avoid any ingredients that might cause health concerns.
Pricing: Our labels also specify whether the price is per kilogram or per 100 grams, depending on the product and its average purchase quantity. This transparency helps you better understand the cost before making your purchase.
Ingredients and Usage Suggestions: All ingredients are clearly listed, and many labels include recipes or suggested uses for the product, making your shopping experience more convenient and enjoyable.
Why Our Labels Matter
We believe in providing transparency at every step, and our detailed labelling is designed to help you make more informed, conscious choices. Whether you’re looking for organic, spray-free, or allergen-friendly options, our labels have you covered. Plus, by choosing to shop at Wasteless Pantry, you’re supporting a business committed to reducing waste and providing high-quality, ethically sourced products.
Bring your own container to bulk food stores like Wasteless Pantry as it is one of the simplest ways to reduce plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. But if you’ve never done it before, it can feel a bit intimidating. Don’t worry! We’re here to walk you through the process, so you’ll feel confident and prepared next time you head out for some zero-waste shopping.
Here’s how to do it in a few easy steps:
1. Choose Your Containers Start by selecting clean, reusable containers from home. Glass jars, sturdy plastic containers, or stainless steel tins work well for dry goods like grains, spices, and pasta. For liquids like oils, shampoos, or honey, ensure your container has a tight seal to avoid spills.
2. Don’t Forget Your Produce Bags Bring along reusable produce bags for solid items like dried fruits, nuts, and pasta.
3. Tare Your Containers At Wasteless Pantry, we make it easy to bring your own containers. Before filling them up, visit the counter to have your containers weighed (this is called the “tare” weight). We’ll note the empty container weight so that you only pay for the contents, not the container itself.
4. Fill Your Containers Now for the fun part—filling up your containers with exactly what you need! Whether you’re buying rice, pasta, spices, or shampoo, feel free to scoop out as much or as little as you want. No packaging waste, just the products you love.
5. Pay by Weight At checkout, we’ll subtract the tare weight of your container from the total, so you’re only paying for what’s inside. This not only helps reduce waste but can also save you money since you’re not buying excess packaging.
6. Enjoy a Low-Waste Lifestyle By bringing your own containers, you’re making a huge impact on reducing single-use plastics and promoting sustainable shopping. Plus, the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
The Benefits of Shopping at Wasteless Pantry
At Wasteless Pantry, we encourage sustainable shopping practices like bringing your own containers because it aligns with our mission to reduce waste. When you shop with us, you can:
Avoid unnecessary packaging.
Buy just the amount you need, reducing food waste.
Support a zero-waste lifestyle that’s better for you and the planet.
Ready to start? Watch our quick video tutorial to see just how easy it is to bring your own containers to Wasteless Pantry. Let’s make low-waste living the norm, one container at a time!
Shopping Options at Wasteless Pantry, more than another Bulk Food Store
We want it to be as easy and enjoyable as possible to shop at our bulk food store. We know that it seems daunting to start on your waste less or zero waste journey! But, really, it doesn’t need to be inconvenient or difficult. Just start with a few products and then expand from there.
Bulk food stores are there to help you reduce your food waste, by allowing you to only buy in the quantity you actually need. This way when you get home you have just enough for the meal you are making, without the leftover prepackaged amount staring at you guiltily every time you open your pantry. Plus, because you have only bought what you need, you know that it is as fresh and tasty as it should be. No stale spices, no inactive yeast, and no using up last years latest super food. Just remember to bring your shopping list so you don’t get tempted to buy all the goodies you find and be sure to bring your reusable shopping kit of reusable shopping bags, produce bags and containers if you are trying to reduce your packaging waste too!
So apparently there are at least 9 options for shopping at Wasteless Pantry – check out our latest how-to video on Youtube…
Use paper bags
Use a produce bag
Fill reused containers – bring your own or grab donated ones
Fill a new reusable container
Pick up pre-bagged mixes
Drop off your containers for filling
Drop off a shopping list
& 9. Call or email your shopping list to be filled & picked up at your convenience
So there you have it, so many options to get you started. Are you ready?
A wasteless pantry is an investment in a better future, much like eating well or exercising to maintain your health. Transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle requires an initial investment in reusable products, but unlike your health, reusables allow you to pick up where you left off without consequences if you pause for a while. Reusables provide long-term savings and reduce waste, making them a win for both your wallet and the environment.
The Cost-Per-Use Breakdown
The concept of “cost per wear” in fashion can be applied to reusables as well. By examining the cost of reusables versus single-use alternatives, it’s easy to see that reusables are more economical in the long run.
Reusable Bags (e.g., Onya Original Shopping Bag)
Initial Cost: $12.50
Use: Once per week for 10 years = 2 cents per use + no waste
Vs. Supermarket ‘Green Bags’
Initial Cost: $2 to $5
Use: Lasts 1-2 years, 3 bags over 10 years = 2 cents per use + 3 bags sent to landfill
Produce Bags (e.g., Cloth or Onya Mesh Bags)
Initial Cost: $3 each
Use: Once per week for 10 years = less than 1 cent per use + no waste
Vs. Plastic Bags
Initial Cost: 1 cent (included in the cost of goods)
Use: 520 plastic bags sent to landfill over 10 years
Reusable Drink Bottles (e.g., H2Onya)
Initial Cost: $18.95 to $25.95
Use: Once per day for 5 years = 7 to 10 cents per use + no waste
Vs. Bottled Water
Initial Cost: 70 cents per bottle
Use: One bottle per day for 5 years = $182 over that time + 260 bottles sent to landfill
This cost-per-use breakdown shows that reusables save money and waste over time, making them a better investment for both your wallet and the planet.
Environmental Impact of Single-Use Plastics
Did you know that producing one litre of bottled water requires three litres of water? Plus, the energy consumption to manufacture, transport, and store bottled water is significant. According to the Pacific Institute, the total energy used for bottled water is equivalent to filling each bottle one quarter full with oil. Once in landfill, these bottles take hundreds of years to break down, contributing to pollution and resource waste.
By contrast, reusables like bottles, bags, and containers are a much more sustainable option. Once you’ve made the initial investment, they can be used endlessly. And when they do wear out, most reusables are recyclable, minimizing their environmental impact.
The Benefits of Shopping at Wasteless Pantry
At Wasteless Pantry, we make it easy to transition to a zero-waste lifestyle by offering a wide variety of reusable products. You can bring your own containers and bags to refill your pantry staples, reducing both packaging waste and cost. From reusable bags to eco-friendly water bottles, our store helps you invest in sustainable living. By shopping with us, you’ll find quality, durable products that pay off over time in both savings and environmental impact.
By making small changes and investing in reusable products, you can help reduce waste while saving money. Get started today and enjoy the long-term benefits of a wasteless pantry!
Transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle often starts with a simple action like BYO containers to bulk food stores. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to start, we’ve got you covered with a helpful video that shows you exactly how to bring your own containers when shopping for bulk goods.
Extra Tip: If you’re purchasing items like flour, spices, or other similar-looking products, make sure to label your containers with a marker as soon as possible. This will make checkout easier for the cashier and ensure that you can identify everything when you get home!
Why Bring Your Own Containers?
Reduce Waste: By bringing your own containers, you eliminate the need for disposable packaging and plastic waste.
Save Money: Many bulk stores offer items at a lower cost compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
Get the Exact Amount: You can buy as much or as little as you need, helping to minimize food waste.
Step-by-Step Guide to BYO Containers:
Choose Clean, Reusable Containers: Use jars, bags, or containers you already have at home. Make sure they are clean and ready for filling.
Get Your Containers Weighed First: When you arrive at the store, have your containers weighed while they are empty, so the weight can be deducted from the final price.
Fill Your Containers: Head to the bulk section and fill your containers with the exact amount of each product that you need.
Label Your Containers: Especially with similar-looking products like flour or spices, label your containers with the product name to avoid confusion.
Checkout: Pay for your items, knowing you’ve made an eco-friendly, zero-waste choice!
Watch our video guide below to see how easy it is to shop waste-free!
The Benefits of Shopping at Wasteless Pantry
At Wasteless Pantry, we encourage customers to bring their own containers as part of our commitment to reducing single-use packaging. Our store offers a wide variety of bulk food items, making it easy to shop sustainably. With helpful staff and a supportive community, we make zero-waste living a practical and enjoyable experience.
By following these simple steps, you’ll find that bringing your own containers to bulk food stores is an easy habit to form. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits of shopping with less waste!
When did sourcing and eating food become so complicated? From worrying about packaging waste to concerns about additives, travel miles, and ethical production, the process of putting food on our plates has become a source of eco-guilt for many. At Wasteless Pantry, we aim to make these decisions simpler by guiding you toward more sustainable food choices.
Our approach focuses on minimizing waste, supporting local farmers, and choosing products that are organically and ethically sourced. Here’s our guide to help you make more sustainable food choices, one decision at a time.
1. Less Packaging is the Priority
Our first guiding principle is reducing packaging waste. Think about it—every piece of packaging that ends up in the bin is a waste of resources. We strive to offer unpackaged or minimally packaged products so that you can refill your containers and reduce single-use plastic. Reducing packaging means less waste going to landfill and fewer resources used in production, transportation, and disposal.
Sustainable Tip: Bring your own containers to Wasteless Pantry and refill essentials like grains, spices, and snacks with zero packaging.
2. Local is Always Better
Eating locally sourced food not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods, but it also means your food is fresher, more flavorful, and more nutritious. Locally grown produce doesn’t have to endure long transportation times, and it supports local farmers and the community.
Sustainable Tip: When shopping, choose seasonal and local produce. You’ll enjoy tastier meals while reducing the environmental impact of long-haul transportation.
3. Organic Where Possible
Organic farming practices help preserve the environment by minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals. This approach improves soil health and biodiversity, contributing to more sustainable ecosystems. We source organic products wherever possible to ensure you’re getting the healthiest options with minimal environmental impact.
Sustainable Tip: Look for organically grown produce at Wasteless Pantry and avoid items that come in wasteful packaging, even if they’re organic.
4. Ethical Sourcing Matters
Finally, we consider the ethical production of the food we offer. This means supporting Fair Trade products, avoiding uncertified palm oil, and promoting Rainforest Alliance-certified goods. By doing so, we ensure that both environmental and social values are respected, protecting ecosystems while supporting fair wages and safe working conditions for farmers.
At Wasteless Pantry, we believe that making sustainable food choices doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our goal is to help you make decisions that are better for the environment, your health, and your community—one step at a time.
Imagine this: You go to the store, pick up your cut of meat or deli items, and everything is packaged in plastic bags or trays. Once you’re home, you use the food and throw away the packaging—straight into the landfill. Unfortunately, this is a common practice, and Western Australians are among the largest producers of waste per person in the world. But there’s a simple alternative to this wasteful cycle: refill your own container!
Why Refill Your Own Container?
By bringing your own reusable containers to the store, you can dramatically reduce single-use plastic waste. Instead of contributing to the mountains of waste created by plastic bags, trays, and packaging, you can eliminate unnecessary rubbish altogether. Plus, it makes storing food easier at home since containers stack neatly and can go straight from the fridge or freezer to the table.
How to Refill Your Own Container
Refilling your own container is easier than you might think. Here’s how you do it:
Bring Your Clean Container: Choose a food-grade container like glass jars, metal tins, or reusable plastic containers. It just needs to be clean and ready to use.
Hand Over Your Container: When at the deli, butcher, or bulk food store (like Wasteless Pantry), hand your container to the assistant and ask them to place your food item inside.
Tare the Weight: The assistant will place your container on the scale, press the TARE button, and set the scale to zero before they start filling. This way, you’ll only pay for the weight of your food—not the container.
Weigh and Label: Your container is filled, weighed, and the price is printed or noted.
Store at Home: Once you’re home, your food is already in a container, reducing packaging waste and making storage a breeze. No extra steps required!
Where to Refill Your Container
Many stores are already familiar with this process. You can also try your local deli or butcher—just ask if they’re happy to help. If you’re nervous about trying it for the first time, you can always say, “Jeannie and Amanda from Wasteless Pantry suggested I try this!”
Why It’s Worth It
By bringing your own containers, you’re not only reducing plastic waste but also saving time. Stackable containers are easier to store in the fridge or freezer, and deli items can be served directly from the container, making mealtime simpler. Plus, this small change is an important step in planning and reducing food waste.
Take the Challenge!
We challenge you to bring your own container for just one purchase this week. Snap a photo of your zero-waste shopping experience and share it on our Facebook page. Let us know if you’d do it again!
One of the simplest ways to reduce your landfill contribution is to use reusable produce bags. At Wasteless Pantry, Jeannie and I frequently get curious and positive comments about these bags whenever we shop. The idea is simple: instead of reaching for disposable plastic bags for your fruit, veggies, bread rolls, and bulk goods, bring along lightweight, reusable bags. More and more people are getting on board with this idea, and it’s easy to see why!
What Are Reusable Produce Bags?
Reusable produce bags are typically made of mesh or cloth, and they serve the same purpose as disposable plastic bags, but without the waste. These bags are perfect for:
Fruits and vegetables
Bread rolls
Nuts and legumes
Snack foods
Lightweight yet strong, they are perfect for carrying your groceries home without worrying about anything tearing through the bag. I’ve easily fit up to 2kg of fruit into a single bag, and they compact down so small that you can always keep a few in your handbag. This means you won’t be caught out if you make an unexpected stop at the store.
Why Use Reusable Produce Bags?
Reduce Plastic Waste: By avoiding plastic bags, you immediately cut down on single-use plastic waste. That means fewer plastic bags in landfill or ending up in the ocean.
Eco-Friendly & Durable: These bags are far stronger than disposable plastic bags and can be used over and over again. Plus, they’re washable! If they get dirty, just toss them in the washing machine.
Convenient: Reusable produce bags are lightweight and easy to use. At stores with dedicated label machines, you can stick the label directly on the bag and remove it later. They also fold up easily, making them a breeze to carry.
Cost-Efficient: Investing in a few reusable produce bags will save you money in the long run. There’s no need to keep buying plastic bags, and you’ll be contributing to a cleaner environment.
How to Use Reusable Produce Bags
Using reusable produce bags is easy! Here’s how you can incorporate them into your next shopping trip:
Grab Your Bags: Make sure you have your reusable bags with you before heading to the store. Keep a few in your car or handbag so you’re always prepared.
Fill Up: When shopping for fruits, veggies, nuts, or bulk foods, place your items directly into the reusable bag. The lightweight material doesn’t affect the scale reading, so you only pay for the weight of the produce.
Label: If your store has a label machine, stick the label on the bag. It’s easy to remove afterward.
Store: Once home, you can either keep your produce in the bag or transfer it to your usual containers. When the bags get dirty, simply add them to your washing.
Why Shop at Wasteless Pantry?
At Wasteless Pantry, we offer a variety of reusable produce bags, which are eco-friendly and durable. By refilling your pantry with our plastic-free products, you’re supporting a zero-waste lifestyle. You can also make your own bags at home from lightweight fabrics like muslin wraps, which I did.
Shopping with produce bags means that when I get home, all I have bought is food—no unnecessary waste. It’s a small step that has a big impact on reducing landfill waste, and even the kids love helping to fill the bags rather than dealing with fiddly plastic ones.
And if you do get caught without your reusable bags, consider using a paper mushroom or potato bag as a compostable alternative.
