Find ethical alternatives to supermarkets, with guide to 15 brands of eco alternatives for buying food and household goods.
In this guide we rate 15 brands of alternatives to supermarkets. Many of these eco retailers are doing things differently so if you don't have a local independent wholefood shop, these shops may match your requirements.
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Tell us a bit about Yoyo Grocery Co
Yoyo: Yoyo is an online organic grocer that delivers dried and ambient food in returnable packaging across the UK. We also work tirelessly to source high-quality, delicious products that support both people and the planet.
Ethical Consumer: What separates Yoyo from other reusable grocery solutions?
Our flexible plastic reuse bags separates Yoyo from other refill solutions. Whilst plastic bags are usually demonised, it’s single use that’s the enemy, not any specific material. In a reuse system, plastic is fantastic; it’s low carbon, durable, airtight, hygienic, recyclable - the list goes on!
Do you see a growing demand for reuse?
The challenge with a reusable packaging system like ours is that it’s more costly and less convenient than single use. However, as systems get easier and more consumers understand the impact of their purchases, we are seeing more and more people join the reuse movement. The inflection point will be EPR legislation (Extended Producer Responsibility) which taxes packaging. This will bring greater cost parity for reuse systems. We’re hoping for results like the plastic bag charge. The average person in England now buys just two single-use carrier bags a year, compared to 140 in 2014.
What is your advice to consumers?
Do what you can. Don’t stress about the rest. It’s a jungle out there which is confusing by design! I personally try and live by the 9 Rs waste hierarchy (I used to think there was only 5!). The 9 are:
- refuse
- rethink
- reduce
- reuse
- repair
- refurbish
- remanufacture
- repurpose
- recycle
Why do you think you received our Best Buy Label? What helps make you a good buy?
As a tiny business, we were honoured to be included in a list full of giants, many of whom we admire.
I like to think it’s all the small details that have differentiated us. From our supplier code of conduct to workplace policies to reusable packaging systems we try our best to do everything ethical. It was an honour to be recognised for all our efforts (and helpful to be shown how we can improve too!).
