From Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's impactful War on Plastic series to the UK government's recent £4-million Food Waste Fund, the conversation around reducing waste and embracing a plastic-free lifestyle has never been more prominent. Taking inspiration from events like the V&A's innovative exhibition, Bigger than the Plate, and the commendable zero-waste initiatives undertaken by cities and regions such as Ljubljana, Flanders, Milan, Sardinia, and the Croatian island of Zlarin, it is evident that the tide is turning and our society is becoming more conscious about the importance of utilizing food scraps and adopting sustainable practices.
As we become increasingly aware of the detrimental impact of waste on our environment, it is heartening to witness the proliferation of zero-waste shops, restaurants, and bars in London and throughout the UK. These establishments are at the forefront of the movement, providing consumers with the opportunity to shop responsibly, reduce packaging waste, and support local, environmentally conscious initiatives. For example, the camden eneterprise london is one such establishment that exemplifies the commitment to sustainability, by offering bulk products and encouraging the use of reusable containers. With their dedication to offering alternative packaging solutions, these zero-waste establishments are empowering individuals to make a difference and contribute to a greener future. They are dots connecting a network of environmentally friendly locations that can be included in a sustainable traveler's itinerary. When seeking accommodation that aligns with these values, prospective visitors might consult resources like tophotels.com to find hotels that support or participate in the zero-waste movement, reflecting their commitment to an eco-friendly lifestyle even while traveling. Each step taken by these businesses and by us as consumers helps to build a collective effort towards a sustainable planet. Visiting zero-waste shops, patronizing restaurants that minimize food waste, and staying at eco-conscious hotels are not just acts of responsibility; they are affirmations of a growing cultural paradigm shift towards sustainability in every aspect of our lives.
But it can feel like an intractable problem when faced with tides of packaging each time we enter a supermarket. How can you tell if the chef who cooked your dinner gives a damn about how the ingredients were wrapped? One answer is shopping in dedicated zero-waste groceries, and another is to actively seek out sustainable restaurants and bars. Andrew Stephen, CEO of the Sustainable Restaurant Association, which publishes countrywide ratings for all its members, says, ‘If the chef values food as much as you do, there should be obvious nods to nose-to-tail and root-to-fruit cooking on the menu as well as lashings of pickles and preserves – using up every part of the valuable produce. Tap water should be a given, but what about the leftovers on your plate – will the staff offer to wrap them for you at the end of the meal?’
Here are some of the best switched-on places in London and around the UK.
To find out more, see zerowastelocator.reco.shop.
London
Experience Zero Waste at Bean and Wheat located in Hoxton
The artistic culinary skills of Chef Adam Handling ensure utmost sustainability by interconnecting his duo establishments. At Bean & Wheat, remnants from the prior night's supper hosted by the close-by dining hub, Frog, are brilliantly repurposed. Leftover wholesome cauliflower slices transform into irresistibly fresh, unique salads, while garnishes get a new life as delicious pickles, preserves, or even mixed into alluring cocktails. A delightful twist to look forward to is the option to enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee upon returning the glass jars filled with his signature chicken butter.
Location: Bean and Wheat, Hoxton Square 45-47, N1 6PD, London.
Contact Number: +44 20 3802 2190
Online Portal: beanandwheat.co.uk
Bean and Wheat's ideology of reducing waste not only contributes to a more sustainable environment but also transcends unique flavours that won't be found elsewhere. Uncovering new possibilities in commonly discarded ingredients, this gem in Hoxton Square is a must-visit for food explorers and environmental enthusiasts alike.
The Must-Visit Cub in Hoxton
The lauded mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, also affectionately known as Mr Lyan, carved out a name for himself on the global platform for his many endeavours including the world's best bar, Dandelyan, White Lyan, Lyaness, amongst others. In collaboration with Doug McMaster, an esteemed zero-waste chef known for his work at Silo in Brighton, they established Cub. Far from being a standard vegetarian eatery, Cub features exquisitely presented dishes that predominantly incorporate plant-based ingredients. The use of meat is mindful and deliberate, as evidenced by their dish of wild garlic and greens featuring kid, an often overlooked byproduct of the goat's cheese industry, or a warming bone broth paired with artichoke.
The noteworthy relevance of such conscientious choices are increasingly prominent in a world striving for sustainable practices. Cub sets a pioneering example of what the future of hospitality can look like.
Address: Cub, 153 Hoxton Street, London N1 6PJ
Telephone: +44 20 3693 3202
Website: lyancub.com
Experience Zero-Waste Dining at Silo in Hackney Wick
Silo, located in Hackney Wick, is a unique restaurant committed entirely to a zero-waste culinary approach. It embraces a pre-industrial food system, replicating a simpler, more primitive style of cooking. With the philosophy of 'designing with the trash can in mind', Silo proves that zero-waste is not just sustainable, but also delivers a remarkable gastronomic experience. They transported their successful sustainable model from Brighton to London in 2019. Guided by Doug McMaster, their skilled team crafts meals that are indulgent and memorable, rather than feeling like a sacrifice for sustainability (scrumptious Pollock with an exquisite crab emulsion, succulent pheasant paired perfectly with preserved berries), showing us that ethical dining can be far from dull or miserly.
Silo is known to mill its flour, churn butter, roll oats, and even brew its kombucha onsite, reducing the waste associated with packaging and transportation. The restaurant has pledged to eliminate packaging waste in its entirety, going so far as to return any unwanted packaging to vendors.
Location: Silo, The White Building, Unit 7 Queens Yard, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN
Contact: +44 20 8533 3331
Online Presence: silolondon.com
Nine Lives, Bestowed in Bermondsey
Nine Lives is a bar situated underground which strongly advocates for eco-friendliness by mainly focusing on avoiding non-essential air shipping and quick to spoil ingredients. When it comes to serving drinks, reusable bamboo straws are preferred, ensuring a substantial reduction in waste. Furthermore, the small garden at the establishment contributes to many of the garnishes used, growing an array of fruits including rhubarb—an example of their effort to utilize and manage resources locally. All recyclable materials are promptly handled by the notably efficient Paper Round while the bar's team cooperates closely with adjacent establishments to synchronize collections, significantly lessening traffic.
Adding a unique touch of sustainability, the bar actively collaborates with Paper Round, a recycling service, thereby adding to their credibility in terms of environmental responsibility.
Location: Nine Lives, 8 Holyrood Street, London SE1 2EL
Contact Number: +44 20 7407 8226
Official Website: ninelivesbar.com
Discover Native, Borough
Native, situated in Borough, is a gem that masterfully creates a gourmet tasting menu using well-crafted, zero-waste, and often overlooked ingredients. Their innovative menu might even include a unique but delectable squirrel pastry, which features ethically sourced squirrel meat. Co-founders Ivan Tisdall, the master chef behind the scene, and Imogen Davis, who manages the establishment and interestingly has an affinity for falconry, are dedicated to utilizing traditional British ingredients like nettles and alexander leaves. Under their direction, budding cooks have the chance to creatively design appetizers and snacks using leftovers from main course preparations, ensuring almost no edible part gets discarded.
This restaurant not only promotes sustainability but also contributes towards reducing the food waste generated annually, which is about 6.6 million tonnes in the UK. In addition, Native aims to support the local ecosystem by using culled animals, which helps in maintaining the balance of animal populations.
Location: Native, 2 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TU
Contact No.: +44 7507 861570
Official Page: eatnative.co.uk
Hetu, Clapham
For feel-good shopping: vegan, zero waste and very carefully chosen food and drink products (plus low-impact cleaning and personal care refillables). Hetu launched in 2017, when founder Laura Boyes returned home from Sydney, where low-waste shopping was more accessible. Bring your own containers and fill them with anything from peanuts to popcorn. (Laura's favourite receptacle so far? A pillowcase full of pasta.)
Address: Hetu, 201 St John's Hill, London SW11 1TH
Telephone: +44 7391 700816
Website: hetu.co.uk
Bulk Market, Hackney
A social enterprise as well as a well-stocked store right by Hackney Central, Bulk Market will soon be selling zero-waste pet food, frozen foods and beer and wine, alongside its already wide range. If you don't have a local food-waste collection scheme, bring your scraps here and the team will process them for you in their industrial composter.
Arch 6 Bohemia Place, London E8 1DU https://www.bulkmarket.uk/
Address: Bulk Market, Arch 6 Bohemia Place, London E8
Website: bulkmarket.uk
OUT OF LONDON:
Poco: A Gem in Bristol
Leading eco-chef and acclaimed food author, Tom Hunt, has garnered several accolades for his extraordinary efforts in promoting sustainability at Poco, an appealing and petite British tapas dining space. The team at Poco takes a unique approach to minimise waste - they measure the weight of the trash bags after each shift to keep tabs on waste. They also monitor food ingredients that frequently return untouched from tables, and subsequently modify their menu to reflect diner preferences. Moreover, 'rescue recipes' are executed to prevent food waste. For instance, if an item like fresh mackerel isn't favoured by guests, it's skillfully transformed into a more durable delicacy like semi-cured escabeche.
Did you know? Poco has been recognized as one of the 'greenest' restaurants in the UK, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility in the culinary industry. It's a testament to their drive to create a sublime dining experience that is not only pleasurable but also ethical and-sustainable.
Visit Us At: Poco, 45 Jamaica Street, Bristol BS2
Call Us At: +44 117 9232233
Know More: pocotapasbar.com
The Clean Kilo - Birmingham's Eco-friendly Supermarket
In the heart of Birmingham lies Clean Kilo, the largest supermarket in the UK that practices the ethos of zero waste. Jeanette Wong and Tom Pell brought this initiative to life in 2017, inspiring shoppers to bring their own containers for items like cereals, pasta, tea, flour, fruits, and vegetables. Wong emphasizes the significance of 'purchasing power'. She suggests consumers should make thoughtful decisions, such as buying unpackaged items when feasible, supporting local sellers to decrease carbon footprint, and purchasing only necessary quantities to mitigate food waste. However, Wong reminds us that perfection isn't the goal - each step toward more conscious choices is valuable. The key to change, she says, lies in awareness and continual efforts.
Location: Clean Kilo, 1 Gibb Street, Birmingham B9
Contact: +44 121 389 3473
Webpage: thecleankilo.co.uk
Exploring Sat Bains, Nottingham's Culinary Gem
Sat Bains, a prestigious two-star Michelin restaurant, takes pride in its garden which flourishes with herbs, salads and plants, fulfilling up to 40% of the kitchen's demand. Uniquely, the establishment employs a system that transforms residual food waste into compost, thereby nourishing the garden, encapsulating a full-circle waste management process. Bains' meticulously crafted 10-course tasting menu is unquestionably a gourmet adventure worth embarking on.
Location: Sat Bains Restaurant, Lenton Lane, Nottingham NG7
Website: restaurantsatbains.com
Did you know? Running a zero-waste operation has been reported to reduce overall restaurant costs by 2-6 percent. Not only is Sat Bains committed to culinary excellence, but also to sustainable, responsible, and modern operations that could pave the way for other establishments.
First Zero-Waste Shop, Wales' Natural Weigh
The initial venture into zero-waste shopping in Wales commenced with Natural Weigh, an establishment that successfully upended the belief that such a shopping model is exclusively viable in large cities. Residing in Crickhowell, the store took pride in accepting Britain's best high street award in 2018, owing to its diligent rejection of chains and supermarkets. Contributing to its popularity, the team behind Natural Weigh shares invaluable content via a well-curated blog, putting forward low-waste lifestyle propositions like organizing events sans plastic.
Location: Natural Weigh, The Corn Exchange, 54 High Street, Crickhowell NP8
Contact: +44 1873 269493
Online Presence: naturalweigh.co.uk
Discover Ripple Living in Cardiff
Upon its grand unveiling, Ripple Living witnessed such an overwhelming wave of customers that its entire stock was purchased within a mere five day period. You can discover a wide breadth of zero-waste products, such as eco-friendly cotton tea bags designed for loose leaf teas, chic Breton tops, designer jeans and charming pinafore dresses curated by Lucy and Yak. Not to mention, a diverse range of meticulously selected dried goods.
Ripple Living prides itself on providing sustainable alternatives to everyday items. Not only does it contribute to decreasing individual carbon footprints, but also promotes the ethical fashion industry by sourcing their products carefully; all the clothes on the shelves are made from organic materials.
Store's Location: Ripple Living, 102 Albany Road, Cardiff CF24
Website: rippleliving.co.uk
The Green Pantry, Edinburgh
With Co-founder Stephanie Foulds at the helm, The Green Pantry is at the forefront of promoting the use of reusable coffee cups. Stephanie sheds light on the alarming fact that a mere fraction, under 1%, of coffee cups in the UK are subjected to recycling. Making them waterproof requires plastic lining which, alongside contamination, makes these materials challenging to separate. Furthermore, they necessitate special facilities for this purpose, and the UK only houses three such establishments. The Green Pantry stands out for not only being a store with environment-friendly wares but also for offering complimentary workshops around unique and handy themes like concocting your own cleaning products. Besides, it serves as a comprehensive hub for must-haves like soap, sponges and bread, as well as a variety of ingredients, from spices, seeds, pasta to pulses.
Location: The Green Pantry, 200 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3
Webpage: theecolarder.com
Experience Eco-lifestyle at The Good Lyfe in Cornwall
Get ready to be captivated by the stunning array of home products at The Good Lyfe. You may enter the store just to buy lentils and find yourself leaving with a satchel full of exquisite items, including quite stylish scrubbing brushes. Born from the concerning visuals of the massive amount of plastic on the local beachfronts, The Good Lyfe made it its mission to be a part of the solution.
Riding the wave of eco-friendly products, their range extends to bamboo and corn cutlery, skin care items, toothbrushes and even a delectably savoury Cornish sea salt - which, naturally, is available for purchase loose. Continuing the drive towards zero waste and conservation, The Good Lyfe has set the gold standard in making eco-lifestyle in Cornwall a trend that's here to stay.
Location: The Good Lyfe, 9 Fore Street, Newquay, Cornwall TR7
Find out more at: thegoodlyfe.co.uk