By now, you might have noticed that your local grocery store may carry zero waste products such as wooden dish brushes and solid shampoo, but did you know that a few businesses in Portland have made it their mission to curate a selection of plastic-free zero waste essentials? And that some of them will provide a contact-free shopping experience and local deliveries?

Here are six (women-owned) Zero Waste Essential Stores based out of Portland that would definitely need your support during the pandemic (and beyond):

Picture by Utility Zero Waste

1. Utility Zero Waste (pop-ups and online)

UTILITY is Portland's first zero-waste-inspired refill shop with a mission to help you go plastic free. They offer home and personal care products in bulk, refills, and sell durable plastic-free goods for less wasteful living.

UTILITY operates as a pop-up shop and online store in Portland, OR.

Come to a pop-up and fill your containers or order products/refills online and choose pick up or delivery (in PDX only).

Picture by Simple Sundries

2. Simple Sundries (2214 SE 135th Avenue - Sundays 10:00-1:00 or by appointment)

Simple Sundries is a home delivery mason jar refill service, kinda like the milkman. They offer waste-free kitchen & bath products in East Portland. Shop
online or at the refill window.

Picture by Way of Being

3. Way of Being (2201 Lloyd Center - check out their opening days)

Way of Being's mission is to provide the resources and support to demonstrate that low waste living is for everyone, regardless of your age, culture, or socioeconomic status. They want to expand the reach of low waste resources and make alternatives to single-use plastics and everyday disposables more accessible both geographically and economically. They also hope to show that reducing your personal trash output isn’t just better for the environment, it’s also a more practical and more fulfilling way of life.

Shop online at Way of Being.

Picture by Null Refillery

4. Null Refillery (2470 NE Sandy Blvd)

A neighborhood refill store and delivery service for affordable eco-friendly home and natural body supplies. Reduce single use plastics by refilling your own container.

Picture by Replenish

5. Replenish (at Milieu Collective in Sellwood - 7836 SE 13th Ave)

One more addition to the list of Portland Refill stores. Check out Replenish Refill Shop.

Picture by Mama & Hapa's

6. Mama & Hapa's (1389 SE Stark St. & 3806 N Mississippi Ave)

The latest on a growing list of Portland Refill stores. Check out Mama & Hapa's.

Picture by Kindred Homestead Supplies

7. Kindred Homestead Supplies (606 Main St, Vancouver, WA)

A place for like-minded folk to gather, converse, shop for low-waste products, learn, grow, share, and exist together. Cross the river and pay a visit to Kindred Homestead Supplies!

And as always the Zero Waste Portland Guide lists every single resource you might need to lead sustainable life in Portland!

Don't forget to check out my Portland Zero Waste Guide to find all you need for a low waste life.