Phrases like "Zero Waste," "Package-Free," and "Plastic-Free" seem to be popping up everywhere. Originating from the zero-waste movement, they're used to define sustainable shopping, from manufacturing to packaging to distribution.

While a significant shift will take time, even doing little things can make a big difference. Luckily, you can do your part for the environment when you shop at these zero-waste stores near our apartments in Cambridge.

Boston General Store

In 2015, April Gabriel opened Boston General Store in Brookline. As a child, she spent summers with her grandmother in the Berkshires. Spending time with her grandmother, she saw that not everything had to be disposable.

The Boston General Store's mission is rooted in simple living and using high-quality items that people can reuse for a lifetime. A large bulk section sells Meliora laundry flakes and Unwrapped Life shampoo and conditioner bars. The store also carries Onyx stainless steel smoothie straws and Vejibag organic cotton produce bags.

Cleenland

Sarah Levy decided to make her own low-waste shop after noticing there were no low-waste shops in the area. She opened Cleenland in 2019 in the heart of Cambridge.

The simple shop offers a fresh, no-frills take on zero waste, which she calls low waste. Cleenland offers lots of bulk items like liquid Oneka shampoo and conditioner. They also offer Dental Lace refillable dental floss tubes and spools.

Uvida

Inspired by her experience as an Environmental Studies major at Umass Boston, Maria Vasco opened Uvida in 2020.

Uvida, a cozy little Boston shop, offers many bulk items like wool laundry dryer balls. They also have plastic-free Bees Balm lip balm and Bai Li deodorant. What’s more, they sell cute houseplants, too!

After picking up items from zero-waste shops, treat yourself to a movie at an independent theater near Cambridge. When you'd like Luxe at Alewife to be your new home, contact us. We'll gladly give you a tour through our Fells Point apartments.