Here’s a not-so-fun fact: In a 2019 study commissioned by the WWF, it was found that Malaysia was the second highest generator of plastic waste among six countries in Asia. If you think we can’t top that, hold that thought. We also ranked the highest for annual per capita plastic use. Yes, we beat out Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China to emerge number one, but that’s not a top spot we want to be in. The only consolation is that it’s not too late to play a part in reducing these numbers. We could all start by visiting a zero waste store in Malaysia, where kitchen staples and home essentials are available for purchase, minus the nasty plastic packaging.
What Is The Concept Of A Zero Waste Store?
A zero waste store offers a more sustainable way to shop for whole foods, natural beauty and cleaning products, lifestyle essentials, and more. But here are four hallmarks that distinguish a zero waste store in Malaysia from your regular mom-and-pop store:
- Zero packaging. This encourages patrons to bring their own reusable containers to fill and refill their supplies, which are often stored in a variety of jars and dispensers throughout the shop.
- Pay by weight. Shoppers at zero waste stores will be able to weigh out the exact quantity of raw ingredients they need. So they’re not obligated to buy them in predetermined quantities, which could go to waste if not used within the expiration date.
- Easy bulk buying. On the contrary, if there’s something you’re going to need a lot of, you can buy them in bulk at a zero waste store sans the copious amounts of packaging.
- Healthy wholesome options. Buying from a zero waste store isn’t just about buying what you need, it’s also about choosing healthier options. Generally, these stores carry a range of wholesome, organic ingredients that are fresher and safer for consumption.
Best Zero Waste Stores To Visit In Malaysia
If you’re not from around Klang Valley, fret not. You can take your zero waste shopping online!
1. The Hive Bulk Foods
As the first zero waste store in Malaysia, The Hive Bulk Foods offer some of the largest whole food supplies, ranging from dry groceries to cooking staples. And if you’re seeking vegan, gluten-free, or health-conscious options, they’ve got them too! Besides foodstuff, you can also shop for eco-friendly cleaning, lifestyle, and personal care products here, including the best-selling Hivette menstrual cup. Just remember to gather your containers and bags before you pop by.
Contact: 03-2202 0707 / 017-877 8376 (WhatsApp)
Address: 92A, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am – 7pm
Shopee | Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. A Bit Less Zero Waste Bulk Store
A Bit Less is an online and offline zero waste store in Malaysia that encourages the community to shop a little more mindfully. Like most zero waste stores, raw ingredients are sold by weight here, which means you can shop exactly per recipe. Most of everything else, like living and personal care items, are eco-friendly or sourced from local suppliers. So you’ll not just help local businesses thrive, you’ll also play a part in reducing carbon footprint in the process.
Contact: 010-231 1237
Address: 17, Jalan Ambong 3, Kepong Baru, 52100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Thu – Tues, 10am – 6pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. MINIMIZE Zero Waste Store
Tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood of Subang Jaya, this zero waste store allows residents near and far to replenish pantry needs and personal care items at affordable prices. The dog treats, dried fruits and nuts, housemade jam and nut butters, and naturally derived detergents come highly recommended. But you can also trade in used cooking oil for RM1.50 per kg or spend your spoils on more groceries from the store.
Contact: 012-431 7263 / 016-287 6476
Address: 104, Jalan SS 14/1, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed – Fri: 11am – 6.30pm
Sat – Sun: 10am – 6.30pm
Shopee | Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Zero Waste Earth Store
Founded by two entrepreneurial mums in 2019, Zero Waste Earth Store (ZWES) offers Malaysians a sustainable yet affordable alternative to grocery shopping. There’s a good array of home essentials and pantry staples to be found here, and if you can’t make up your mind on what to buy, try them in small amounts before committing to a bulk order. Beyond peddling domestic supplies, ZWES also plays an active role in educating the local community through recycling initiatives, as well as upcycling and composting workshops.
Contact: 011-1061 3629
Address: 47-G, Jalan Eco Ardence D U12/36D, Ardence Crest, Eco Ardence, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening Hours: Mon, Tue – Sat: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Single Step Zero Waste Store
Zero waste often incurs images of an expensive and unattainable lifestyle. But Single Step Zero Waste Store is here to change that misconception, one naysayer at a time. The cosy nook in 1 Utama offers an assortment of high-quality home and living necessities, and all at reasonable prices so you’ll have no qualms about ditching their plastic-laden equivalents.
Contact: 011-6532 8288
Address: B28, B2, 1RC, Highstreet, 1 Utama, Lebuh Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours:
Sun – Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri – Sat: 10am – 10.30pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Seedy Zero Waste Store
This zero waste store in Malaysia is planting the seeds of change for greener living. And it does so by strictly eliminating packaging, even paper bags. So if you’re planning to grab your weekly stock-ups in person, have your bags and canisters at the ready. Shop owner Grace also cherrypicks everything in-store—from Chinese herbs and snacks to household products—and is a great help to those who are new to zero waste shopping.
Contact: 014-338 3890
Address: 9-1 (Ground Floor) Suasana, 2, Jalan Anggerik Vanilla 31/93, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening Hours: Tue – Sat: 10am – 6pm
Shopee | Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Basics Eco Living Store
Part zero waste store, part pop-up cafe, you can grab a refill and a coffee to go at Wangsa Maju’s Basics Eco Living Store. Bringing your own containers is par for the course, but in a pinch, you could also pick up an upcycled or new one in store. Biscuits, nuts, grains, and cleaning liquids are stocked in abundance here; all you need to do is fill up, weigh, and pay.
Contact: 010-873 2110
Address: G-6, Seasons Garden Residences, Jalan 1/27E, Seksyen 10 Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Fri – Sun: 10am – 6pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. Go Bulk Store
You could live all the way in Cyberjaya and still enjoy a sustainable lifestyle because, guess what? The Go Bulk Store is at your service. Green on the inside and out with lots of timber elements, the Japandi-style interior makes for a pleasant shopping experience. You’ll find the usual zero waste suspects here—liquid and dry food refills, as well as a curated selection of lifestyle items.
Contact: 012-424 2894
Address: E2-04-03, Tamarind Square, Persiaran Multimedia, Cyber 10, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor
Opening Hours:
Fri: 12pm – 8pm
Sat – Sun: 10am – 6pm
Related: You Can Now Take The MRT To Putrajaya And Cyberjaya. Here’s What You Can Do There
9. Refiller Mobile
If you prefer to have your daily supplies delivered to you, get in touch with the roving zero waste store, Refiller Mobile. Former film distribution manager Oh Sok Peng runs the mobile business from a teal-coloured van, kitted out wall-to-wall with household cleaning agents, dried food, and personal care products. She pops up at different locations around the Klang Valley weekly, so check the Refiller Mobile’s socials to find a spot near you.
Contact: 017-312 9851
Locations: Refer to Refiller Mobile’s socials
Minimise Waste When You Shop From These Zero Waste Stores In Malaysia
So grab some containers and get ready to fill up on supplies at these zero waste stores in Malaysia. If you’ve got kids, scooping, filling, and measuring your own supplies might even be a fun activity for them! More than that, you’ll get to rest easy knowing that you’ve done your bit in reducing the eye-watering amount of plastic waste we generate. It’s our collective responsibility to go easy on Mother Earth, and it’s never too late to start now.
Ladies, if you’re looking to switch to more eco-friendly personal care products, we’ve got the deets on the best natural deodorant and Malaysian-made menstrual cups.
Cover photo courtesy of Single Step Zero Waste and A Bit Less Bulk Store.
