Best plastic free shops in London

The Common Cafe, Clapham Common

An eco-lifestyle store, cafe and bakery, Common in Clapham is the newest London arrival to show the virtues of the plastic-free life. Everything is organic and palm oil free, and the space (housed in the old chemist's on the Pavement) ticks the "relax and have a coffee and cake" box as well as the stock up on grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, spices and fresh vegetables one. The full product range includes reusable bottles and cups, beauty buys, homewares and gifting-ready glass-jar teas from Parigotte.

Unpackaged

Considered the trailblazer of London's bulk stores (it began at a market stall in 2006) Unpackaged can be found in Planet Organic locations in London, Welbeck Farm Shop in Worksop and Macknade Fine Foods in Faversham, delivering their certified organic, GMO-free whole foods and household cleaners to the eager-to-make-a-change public. Even better? Unpackaged offers consultancy services, training and support to those looking to open their own plastic free stores, in the UK and beyond.

Hetu, Clapham Junction

A vegan zero-waste store near Clapham Junction, Hetu opened in December 2017 after founder Laura returned from a stint in Australia, where she learned about bulk shopping. Customers bring their own jars and Tupperware to fill with whole foods (nothing contains animal products), which are weighed while empty so you only pay for the product you're purchasing. Devotees stock up on everything from maca powder (a smoothie essential) and vegan cheese to rice, pulses, bamboo toothbrushes and shampoo bars. Happy shopping.

The Source, Chiswick and Battersea

For an adult version of the kid in the candy store experience, head to The Source, which has two south London locations filled with stylish products and tasty ingredients. We're obsessing over the kombucha (which comes in different flavours like Lavender and Thai) as well as hard-to-find items like maple syrup, superfood powders and tasty chocolate-covered nuts and fruits. There's also a good selection of zero-waste products like metal straws, chewable toothpaste and reusable cutlery. Bring your own containers or make use of the paper bags or jute shoppings bags in store.

Bulk Market, Hackney

Bulk Market offers the plastic free shopper everything from oils to DIY beauty products to fruit and veg in addition to the whole grains, pulses, cereals and other staples – you'll even find items for your pets, with gin, beer and wine coming soon. Bulk Market was opened by former marketing exec Ingrid Caldironi in August 2017. They've just reopened in a new location near Hackney Central/Hackney Downs.

Credit: Denise Johnson

Harmless Store, Wood Green

Good things come in small, plastic-free packages, as Harmless Store in Wood Green proves. Head to Harmless to stock up on zero-waste essentials like Chilly's water bottles, household and hygiene items, vegan Parmesan, locally made chocolate, sugar, coffee, tea and more. Show up with a shopping list (digital, please) and relax with a beer while your order is organised for you. Like we said, this is so much better than typical supermarket shopping.

Credit: Laura Mitulla

Wearth

An ethical online department store, Wearth launched in 2017 as an eco-marketplace which sells everything from ethically made furniture and homewares to jewellery. We've included it on our list because there's a dedicated Zero Waste section where you can get all of your reusable bottles, produce bags, bamboo straws and plastic-free toiletries. And then stock up on gorgeous, conscious gifts, too.