Everything you need to know to start your eco-friendly lifestyle in New York City
Small changes make a significant impact when it comes to living green as a family. Thankfully, small eco-friendly lifestyle changes are more accessible than ever. With everything from zero-waste refill stores to bulk groceries, New York City offers something for every family. Here are our top picks for the spots to shop and live a sustainable and eco-conscious lifestyle in New York City.
An Introduction to Zero-Waste Stores in New York City
We all want to do our part to reduce single-use plastic and waste in our homes. Waste-free shops are the perfect way to start. Whether you need coffee beans, shampoo or an eco-friendly toothbrush, these shops offer thousands of zero-waste products, often locally and ethically sourced. You can refill containers provided by the store, or often, you can bring jars and bottles from home. Then, refill the products you need and support local shop owners.
Zero-Waste Refill Stores around New York City
Park Slope
La Nature: This refillery and low-waste living store offers refillable, reusable household solutions. The owners strive to make eco-friendly everyday products more accessible and encourage more people worldwide to decrease their ecological footprint by switching to sustainable, zero-waste alternatives. With everything from laundry and dishwasher detergents to dish soap, this shop has something for every room in your home.
233 5th Ave
Brooklyn
Online: lanaturestore.com
Greenpoint
Maison Jar: Stop by this one-stop shop for food, personal care, and home essentials without unnecessary packaging. Bring in your containers or purchase reusable ones in-store. The owners stock a wide range of household staples and spend a lot of time worrying about the right products, so you don’t have to. They work closely with suppliers to provide carefully selected and responsibly sourced products, emphasizing local and organic options.
566 Leonard St.
Brooklyn
Online: maisonjar.nyc
Astoria
Earth & Me: Shop the first Queens zero-waste store with eco-friendly delivery of all their refillable items to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. The owner opened the shop because she believes sustainability, quality, and affordability shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. With everything from sustainable bath bombs to wooden potato peelers, this shop delivers on the eco-friendly promise.
30-38 Steinway Street
Queens
Online: earthandme.co
Zero-Waste Groceries near New York City
Buschwick
Precycle: Start your sustainable living journey in this grocery store where 100% of the products sold are plastic-free. You know what you’re getting with their just food, no packaging moto. The products are thoughtfully and sustainably sourced from local farms. Bring your clean container or purchase a reusable option in the store for bulk food. Beyond bulk food, this stop also sells fresh local produce without packaging.
50 Cypress Ave
Brooklyn
Online: precyclenyc.com
Bowery
4th Street Food Co-op: This member-run co-op grocer provides the local community with organic foods and household products. The 100% wind-powered business focuses on the community and its environmental impact. Bring your containers and fill up on bulk food such as beans and lentils or treat yourself to organic fruit pies and vegan coconut oil popcorn.
58 East 4th Street
New York
Online: 4thstreetfoodcoop.org
Cobble Hill
Oriental Pastry and Grocery: While not openly an ambassador for the zero-waste effort, this Middle Eastern shop has served the NYC community for 50 years. The bulk bins are full of aromatic spices and delicious snacks. You’ll find bulk teas, herbs, and dates, too. Bring a plastic-free container to fill with selections from the impressive pickled food bar. Remember to add one of the homemade pastries to your reusable bag.
170 Atlanta Ave
Brooklyn
Online: orientalpastryandgrocery.com
Zero-Waste Home Goods & Secondhand Clothes Stores near New York City
East Village, Manhattan
Cure Thrift Shop: After the shop owner was diagnosed with juvenile Type 1 diabetes, it led her to the mission of this NYC thrift shop. The proceeds support research and advocacy, while each secondhand purchase reduces waste. In addition, the shop’s staff of artists and designers curate an impressive collection of vintage and obscure fashion and home goods.
91 Third Ave
New York
Online: curethriftshop.com
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
Underground Thrift Store: Help fight human trafficking by supporting this NYC secondhand shop. Browse designer clothing, quality children’s wear, fabulous shoes and accessories, plus high-end housewares. This Brooklyn store is only open on Sundays, and the high-end selection is impressive. With their commitment to operating solely on volunteer help and donated goods, this shop gives back to more than just the environment.
75 Hicks St
Brooklyn
Online: plymouthchurch.org
Brighton Heights, Staten Island
Everything Goes Furniture and Clothing: This Green America Certified Business is committed to carefully restoring secondhand items. This massive showroom is a well‑organized treasure trove of unique, affordable, barely used merchandise. The furniture selection ranges from antique to modern, with single pieces and sets available. After you’ve picked out your home goods, remember to stop by the used bookshop just up the street.
208 Bay St
Staten Island
Online: etgstores.com
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