Blaine store produces zero plastic waste, in waste-filled pandemic

Posted

At a time when many people have been dependent upon single-use plastics to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Blaine’s Living Pantry has continued to provide groceries with only reusable, glass and metal containers.

After opening last September, owners Shawna and Seppi Morris said their zero-waste grocery store, which sells everything from food to cleaning supplies, has enjoyed steady business.

The increased use of single-use plastics for PPE, bags and takeout containers has caused alarming impacts to waste management systems, according to a National Center for Biotechnology Information study. Increased plastic usage has put extra pressure on these systems, according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, leading to poor disposal strategies such as reduced recycling and improper burning. These poor disposal efforts could escalate the global health crisis, contributing to worsening air quality and the possibility of secondary transmission of the virus, the World Health Organization reports.

The FDA reports no evidence exists that food, containers or packaging are associated with the transmission of Covid-19, although it is possible the virus can spread over surfaces or objects.

Seppi said since the Living Pantry opened during the pandemic, they have continued to find ways to safely handle food and prevent the need for such plastics.

All products are sold in reusable glass and metal containers, and customers can bring in their own reusable containers as well. The store sells a wide variety of products, including seasonal produce, spices and herbs and personal hygiene items, in both bulk and small quantities.

The store has also offered other protections due to the pandemic, including curbside pick-up and shopping by appointment. They also hope to unveil an online store soon to give customers more access to their products. 

In addition to eliminating single-use plastic containers, Living Pantry’s merchandise is almost entirely local to Washington, and a good portion of it is from Whatcom County. Seppi said they want to shrink their store’s product circle in the future.

Seppi said he hopes more people will come visit the store and not be intimidated by zero-waste or the products they sell.

“It’s not your typical store. People come in here and go, ‘I don’t even know what this is,’” he said. “We want people to want more information about their food, to be conscious about their habits.”

Seppi emphasized the reality of going completely zero waste is nearly impossible and it’s more important to make individual choices while continuing to learn. Even as the owner of a zero-waste store, he said he is constantly learning better practices from his customers.

“We don’t want people to feel bad or that they’re making a mistake,” he said. “We’re all on the same path. It’s a one choice at a time process.”

For a product list, visit bit.ly/3tkVRtf.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here


OUR PUBLICATIONS