While we’re not moving as fast to reverse the colossal damage of pollution that plastic and fast fashion is causing, any effort is helpful and, dare we say, needed. Switching from a lifestyle we are used to, to one that is more eco-conscious can be daunting, and for some, you may be a little lost on where to go to get started. Contrary to popular belief, more than a handful of zero-waste stores can help with your eco-conscious journey.
1. Unplug, Bangsar
Unplug is a one-stop shop for all your necessities, from your wardrobe to your bathroom. At Unplug, you’re not only supporting zero-waste businesses, but you are also supporting locally-made products, and of course, reducing pollution to the environment. There are also sustainable metrics that Unplug uses to curate the products that are being sold, such as eco-friendly materials, packaging, social impact, and more.
Address: Level 1, Bangsar Village 2, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6016 287 1750
2. The Hive, Intermark KL
Most have probably heard of The Hive, and if not, don’t worry. The Hive is the first zero-waste store in Malaysia that offers the most extensive bulk whole foods option, personal care, and lifestyle products. This local business supports fellow local organic farmers, women entrepreneurs, refugees, and more. You can also bring your preloved items such as clothes, old prescription glasses, jars and paper bags, and e-waste for recycling purposes.
Address: Lot C-01 The Intermark Mall, Jalan Tun Razak, Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2202 0707
3. Basics Zero Waste Store, Wangsa Maju
Basics Zero Waste Store was established during the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020. You can find various eco-friendly products at this small business, such as dry food, personal care, feminine care, and household cleaning products. Don’t forget to bring any (clean) empty containers to refill them with your products of choice, or you can also borrow their provided containers.
Address: G-6 Seasons Garden Residences, Jalan 1/27E, Seksyen 10 Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6010 873 2110
4. A Bit Less Bulk Store, Kepong
Here at A Bit Less Bulk Store, you can find anything from food to lifestyle products. Moreover, you can also buy the exact weight of products you need to prevent any wastage. However, do remember to bring your own container. At A Bit Less, you can find a wide range of local and imported products, but the main focus is to support local suppliers.
Address: 17, Jalan Ambong 3, Kepong Baru, 52100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 6243 0723
5. Zero Waste Earth Store (ZWES), Setia Alam
Besides being a zero waste store, ZWES has actively engaged in projects that bring positive social and environmental impact, earning themselves the social enterprise title. At their Eco Ardence store, you’ll find all sorts of household goods — from refill stations to skincare and gardening supplies! For KL-ites, they currently also have a pop-up section at The Panas Grocer in LaLaport BBCC.
Address: 47-G, Jalan Eco Ardence D U12/36D, Ardence Crest Eco Ardence, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Contact: +6011 1061 3629
6. Seedy Zero Waste Store, Kota Kemuning
Seedy calls themselves the ‘kedai runcit that supplies daily essentials with no packaging’ —and we love it! Besides the usual paraphernalia, Seedy also hosts pre-orders for freshly-baked or made goods like sourdough bread, buns, yoghurt, and the like! Follow them on social media or check their link in bio for pre-order updates. They also do the same for seasonal baked goods during Chinese New Year and the Mooncake Festival!
Address: 9-1 (Ground Floor) Suasana, 2, Jalan Anggerik Vanilla 31/93, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor
Contact: +6014 338 3890
7. Minimize Zero Waste Store, Subang Jaya
Subang Jaya folks, Minimize is here to ease your waste-free efforts! Their store is conveniently located near the SS18 LRT station, and they’ve made a video guide on how to get there too. Refill your detergents, dried fruits, nuts, and other household essentials here. They also buy your used cooking oil at RM1.50/kg, with no minimum weight required. It’s a great way to earn some cash back to spend in-store!
Address: 104, Jalan SS 14/1, Ss 14, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +6012 431 7263
8. Graze Market, Ara Damansara
When it comes to waste occupying landfills, we often forget that food is also one of the many contributors. Many are rejected for minor defects like blemishes, little black specks, or even for being oddly-shaped — but they still taste good! This is where Graze Market comes in to save the day; they rescue produce like this from ending up in landfills and get a second chance to be yummy food on your plates!
Address: 91, Jalan 1A/42B, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +6014 228 2530
9. Single Step Zero Waste, Bandar Utama
Located next to 1 Utama Shopping Centre’s 1Recycling Centre(1RC), Petaling Jaya folks can drop their recyclables off at 1RC and get their refill of package-free items at Single Step. The store has refills for selected cooking sauces and oils, coffee, aroma oils, and cat litter too! Not going to lie; as a pawrent myself, package-free cat litter is quite the flex, Single Step!
Address: B28, B2, 1RC, Highstreet, 1 Utama, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +6011-6532 8288
10. Refiller Mobile, mobile zero-waste van!
A zero-waste store on wheels? Well, isn’t that amazing? Refiller mobile goes to different neighbourhoods each week based on demand. So, round up your neighbours and contact Refiller Mobile on Instagram! You can get your refill on household cleaning products, dried goods, and personal care products.
Items are sold by weight, so remember to bring your own bags and containers to make your purchase. You can find a list of products they have on their WhatsApp.
Location: Follow them on social media to find out their weekly stops.
Contact: +6017 312 9851
You can start your zero-waste journey by checking out one or more of these businesses to help you kickstart a more eco-conscious lifestyle. You can make it fun with such a wide range of products, and share it with your friends and family to have them join you!
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 06 March 2022 and has been updated to include more locations.
