This list is a work in progress, I will keep adding to it and adjusting. It’s mostly based on what I’ve discovered in areas that I frequent. Please leave a comment or message me if there’s anywhere you’d recommend!
There are always opinions as to what is “good” or “bad” when it comes to buying food. There’s no need to despair, give up, or criticise yourself (or others) if you can not achieve the perfect “guilt-free eco-friendly fair-trade organic plastic-free no-cruelty” shopping experience. It is difficult. There is no one perfect solution. Just try your best to keep getting better, to encourage stores and providers to improve what they’re offering, be kind to yourself, and be kind to others.
When I made the decision to try to live and shop in a more eco friendly manner, I was at first dismayed at how difficult it appeared. However, with a bit of research I was able to shop plastic-free for the following goods at the following locations;
Bulk Dried Foods, Baking Goods, Oils and Vinegars, Cleaning Products, Toilet Paper, Hygiene:
GoodFor – WholeFoods Refillery is my number 1 choice. I used go to the stores in Ponsonby and Parnell, but recently they’ve opened a store in New Lynn Mall which is much more convenient for me as I’m based in Titirangi.
Huckleberry – Limited range (at the New Lynn Location, which is the only one I’ve been to), however is all organic. There are 7 locations in Auckland.
Bin Inn. Multiple Locations, individually owned so some stores are better than others. Most seem to have some goods packaged, and some package free. Refills for cleaning products.
The Source – Very good store. Unfortunately I don’t live close to one of these, I’ve been to the Milford one once though, and it had a good range and nice store.
Bread
The Crafty Baker – Glen Eden. This is an amazingly great little Artisan bakery. I used to make my own sourdough bread at home, however after discovering the Crafty Baker I never made another loaf again. Amazing range of vegetarian pies also.
Titirangi Supervalue.
Pack n Save Mt Albert.
Milk and Dairy
This is a difficult one for me. I understand Jersey Girl has a milk refillary machine outside Auckland where you can reuse glass bottles, but I am yet to find anywhere that offers anything similar in Auckland! In the meanwhile, I buy milk in cardboard cartons from the supermarket, rather than plastic bottles. Olive oil is a good substitute for butter in many recipes, and bottles can be refilled at the places that sell bulk goods.
I have practically stopped buying cheese since I started cutting out plastic, however sometimes will buy a nice cheese from the Parnell French Markets, and sometimes even make my own cheese thanks to a cheese kit from Mad Millie.
Eggs
I have a couple of backyard chooks that supply more than enough eggs for our family. If this is an option for you I can not recommend it enough. I got my chickens from Poultry Valley (has now changed owners and names to Harrisville Heritage Poultry). They’re all Orpingtons, a fat and lazy breed who are happy to chillax at home, and roam the yard.
Goodfor in Parnell sometimes have eggs for sale.
Tofu
New Lynn Fresh (2 Margan Ave, New Lynn) sell freshly made tofu. It’s self serve, so you can just put it straight into your own container to take to the check-out.
Fruit and Veg
Grow as much as you can!
Most veggie stores have some fruit and veg available unpackaged. Choose loose veggies, take your own produce bags.
