The zero-waste movement, where consumers strive to eliminate their consumption of disposable packaging by utilizing reusable containers and bags to decrease environmental impact, is gaining momentum in Seattle, or shall we say, returning?
Two generations ago, the need to homestead, can, or at minimum, reuse one’s own bottles (think doorstep milk deliveries in glass containers by dairy companies), was common practice. However, once the convenience of preserved food in either tin or plastic containers hit the store shelves, society’s habits drastically changed as they embraced single-use products that eventually make their way to landfills and oceans.
Today, news about whales dying from eating pounds of plastic waste found in oceans to an island of trash growing in the Pacific Ocean has compelled many informed consumers to join the zero-waste movement, and not a moment too soon. Here to help Seattleites make the transition to zero-waste shopping is Capital Hill’s Scoop Marketplace.
The concept is simple—the tiny, albeit well-stocked, shop sells bulk foods like grains, spices, and teas, as well as home goods such as hair products, cleaning solutions, and essential oils for DIYers to make their own concoctions at home. All of these items can be scooped or poured from bulk dispensers into customers’ own reusable containers. Customers just only to bring in clean, reusable containers (jars, bottles, or canvas bags), which employees will tare and fill with product.
“By sourcing our products in bulk, we are eliminating the need for disposable packaging and significantly reducing our environment impact while saving our customers time and money,” founder Stephanie Lentz writes.
Lentz, a Seattle-native and married, mother of two children, started her zero-waste journey about four years ago. The experienced teacher set out to educate her children to embrace the more conscious-consumer lifestyle by showing them that “we are made to be a beneficial presence in the world, and we can do hard things.” Now, her new storefront allows her to teach others curious about making changes in their own consumption.
Although this shop has been open since this April’s Earth Day for its “soft launch phase,” Scoop Marketplace is hosting its Grand Opening on Saturday, June 15th from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. with the following events:
- 10% discount on all purchases all day
- 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sample a cup of coffee courtesy of Onda Origins.
- 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Try your hand at a DIY Terrarium Bar located at The Works right next door (pay for the container or bring your own and purchase the plant plus any accessories although dirt and rocks are included). Local Maker Siera Matsuo will also be in the shop showcasing her handmade ceramics.
- 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sample bites from Haven Foods (previously Celeste Cafe), a local vegan, gluten-free food production company.
- 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children may enjoy story time featuring books by local author Katherine Pryor followed by an activity.
- 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Toast to Scoop Marketplace during cocktail hour with Seattle Elderberry, who will be on hand mixing cocktails including recipes with its handmade, elderberry syrup. Mocktails and snacks will also be available. RSVP requested here.
Follow Scoop Marketplace on its website or Facebook for any updates regarding its grand opening celebration.
Before heading to the shop, take containers and small canvas bags from your kitchen or acquire some by asking your neighborhood Buy Nothing Group or purchase them from local thrift shops (Goodwill sells Mason jars for $0.20 each). Don’t own any? Scoop Marketplace carries jars, tins, and organic cotton bags available for purchase.
One of our favorite products at the shop is the Leaf Shave ($79), a reusable all metal, three-blade razor with a pivoting head, useful for oh so many curves. Pricey? Yes, but a pack of 20 double-edge blades, yielding 40 edges, made from cold-forged steel sells for $9, making this much cheaper than single-use plastic cartridges, which average $9 and up for four disposable cartridges. (Remember, this will be 10% off during the shop’s grand opening celebration).
In case you’re not sure about a product, the “sample jar” ($1.75) option allows customers to purchase a small amount to try before committing to a larger quantity. Another favorite was the essential oil refilling station with varieties like lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils ranging between $2.50 and $4.50 per 5 milliliters. Score!
Happy shopping and tag us on Instagram: @SeattleiteMag with your favorite purchases!
Scoop Marketplace | 151 12th Avenue., Seattle (co-located with The Works Seattle)
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