Sometimes it can feel like there aren’t a lot of zero waste resources around us. Or like all the trendy zero waste and refill stores are in places like LA or New York. I know first hand as a girl from the prairies of Manitoba that trying to shop more mindfully can seem frustrating with a lack of resources. So for all my fellow Manitobans in the same boat, or those visiting this great province, I wanted to compile one big post with all the zero waste shopping in Winnipeg and the surrounding areas!
Zero Waste Shopping in Manitoba:
Refill and Bulk options:
One of the biggest areas of concern when it comes to reducing waste is packaging. While most grocery stores may have a bulk section, they don’t usually offer a plethora of package free options. But food isn’t the one thing that comes in bulk, personal care and house hold items can come as refillable options as well!
Based right in Winnipeg, the Refill Market offers exactly what the name suggests, refills! You can purchase jars and containers from the store or bring your own to purchase all your needs from soap, shampoo/conditioner, sanitizer, household cleaners, deodorant, skincare, and so much more! All of their inventory is also ethically sourced and local as much as possible!
Located in humble Steinbach Manitoba, just an hour away from Winnipeg lives Milieu Market. Owner Jules saw a need for more accessible low waste options and so the market was born. You’ll find everything you need to clean your house and yourself with bulk household cleaners and personal care products! They also house familiar and new sustainable brands like Stasher, Leaf Shave and more! Everything you need to start and sustain your zero waste lifestyle can be found here!
3. Bulk Barn
With over 7 locations in Winnipeg alone and more in surrounding cities including Winkler and Brandon, Bulk Barn is a giant when it comes to bulk food shopping. I can’t even begin to list all the options that bulk barn has but you will find everything you need and more for baking, cooking and snacking! They also have a bring your own container program that encourages customers to reuse instead of using plastic bags.
Zero Waste Shopping:
Generation green is your one stop shop for all your eco-friendly items and product refills! As mentioned above they have countless bulk and refill options as well are reusable, and non toxic products that are safe for you and the planet!
2. The Forks
If you’re not from Manitoba you may be unfamiliar with what the Forks is. The Forks houses a plethora of shops, vendors, and restaurants. And while not every shop may be zero waste, the Forks actually has a Target Zero action plan in which they’re aiming for zero garbage, zero water waste, and zero carbon emissions! This is a huge and very impactful goal. I always say that a company or brand’s practices are far more important than their packaging.
Based in Morris, Manitoba, Kelly owns and runs Lily stone gardens which specialize in seasonal and farm-grown flowers perfect for any occasion! In fact, I’m using them for my wedding this coming summer! Having flowers that were grown locally and sustainably was something really important to me and important to Lily Stone Gardens as well! Their flowers, plants and arrangements can be found across Manitoba in varying locations. Check out the website to find some near you!
Baily is currently a student at the University of Manitoba studying agribusiness. She owns the Farmer’s Daughter and sells locally grown honey, pollen, beeswax candles, and sustainable goods like beeswax wraps and reusable produce bags!
5. The community general store
Based in Niverville, Manitoba, the community general store is a host to so many different fun products! Including a ton of sustainable products to help you reduce waste including reusable rags, grocery bags, reusable snack bags, beeswax wraps, cotton rounds and so much more!
Second Hand and Ethical clothing Options:
1. Azura Bay
This curated ethical clothing shop is based right in Winnipeg! While they don’t have a physical store to shop in, shipping is quick and easy within Manitoba! I’ve worked with Azura Bay a few times and I love everything they stand for, as they only house ethical and sustainable brands in their store!
This second hand consignment shop is where I found my beautiful wedding dress! Everyone at Pearl and Birch has a passion for second hand items and making a closed loop when it comes to fashion. You can find wedding dresses and special occasion dresses here along with countless amazing vintage and second hand jewelry items!
Shapes and Feelings is a consignment shop founded by Ava Jerao on Treaty 1 Territory in Winnipeg! Ava founded this shop with a goal to help slow down fashion and reduce textile waste. Which is the number one reason why I buy second hand.
This Asian owned brand is all about upcycling! In their shop, you’ll find handmade scrunchies, reusable cotton rounds, reusable pads, masks and more made out of recycled and upcycled fabrics that otherwise would have ended up in the landfill.
5. 204 Thryft
204 Thryft was founded by two best friends who wanted to reduce textile waste and change the way thrifting is perceived by the masses. In their shop, you can find the cutest and affordable second hand clothing with a home section coming soon!
Sustainable/Local and vegan food:
1. Cloud Mylk
Fresh plant milk that comes in glass bottles without all the excess gums and additives? Yes please! From among, to cashew to brazil nut milk’s and creamers! Cloud Mylk is a dream.
2. Monuts Cafe
Located in Winnipeg, Monuts cafe creates the most delicious vegan and gluten-free donuts that are, wait for it….healthy for you!
3. Boon Burger
Boon Burger is Winnipeg’s own 100% animal-free plant based menu! You won’t find garbage bags out back or in their take-out containers as they’re all made from biodegradable cornstarch. Sustainability is at the center of Boon Burger’s values and it shows.
4. Cocoa beans
Cocoa beans is a small cafe and pastry shop with every item being gluten free and most items able to be made vegan.
Makeup, skincare and personal care items:
Made in Niverville, Manitoba, CK Soak Bath Co has all your personal care items made by hand without chemicals and minimal plastic! They have soap bars, shampoo bars, (fun fact: theirs was the first shampoo bar I ever tried!) lotion bars, bath bombs and more! Their soaps even come with a plantable label that disappears and leaves you with wild flowers!
2. CG Pure Wash
Celeste started Celestial Soapary for the same reason I decided to cut toxins from my life: to protect herself and her family from all the allergens and chemicals in our daily products. They offer shampoo and conditioner bars, plastic-free lotion bars, soap and so much more! Their products are truly divine!
3. Pure Anada
Formulated in Morden, Manitoba, all of Pure Anada’s products are made locally and sourced ethically. While plastic is used throughout their range, their ingredients are clean which is better for the planet and they offer refillable makeup options as well!
There you have it! Your guide to zero waste shopping in Winnipeg! Whether you live in Manitoba or are planning on visiting there are so many sustainable and vegan options in and around the city! There’s no shortage on eco friendly here!
Thank you for reading! Please don’t forget to share this post and follow me on Instagram for daily low waste living inspiration!
Leave a Reply