Vancouver to Lead with Canada's First Zero-Waste Grocery Store
Meghan Young — March 25, 2016 — Lifestyle
References: zerowastemarket & straight
Charging five cents for plastic bags is not much of a deterrent to cutting waste in grocery stores and so the Zero Waste Market has stepped up the eco-friendly game. The first of its kind in Canada, the Zero Waste Market will be opening its doors in Vancouver come this fall. It invites people to purchase whatever amounts they need or want by placing it in containers they bring themselves.
The Zero Waste Market was inspired by similar stores already existing internationally. Yet co-founder Brianne Miller says, "We always think it’s kind of funny because people are like, ‘This is such a great idea!’ But this is how our grandparents shopped 100 years ago. So, we’ve kind of come so far from that." When you think about that, sometimes evolution isn't better.
The Zero Waste Market was inspired by similar stores already existing internationally. Yet co-founder Brianne Miller says, "We always think it’s kind of funny because people are like, ‘This is such a great idea!’ But this is how our grandparents shopped 100 years ago. So, we’ve kind of come so far from that." When you think about that, sometimes evolution isn't better.
Trend Themes
1. Zero Waste Shopping - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a mobile app that allows customers to scan and pay for products in bulk, eliminating the need for packaging.
2. Reusable Containers - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a line of customizable, sustainable containers that fit different product types and can be easily cleaned and reused.
3. Community Engagement - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establish partnerships with local farmers and producers to offer a wider range of fresh, unpackaged products, thereby reducing food waste and supporting the local economy.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design smart shelving systems that track inventory and provide real-time data on product availability, reducing food waste and optimizing supply chain management.
2. Packaging - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative, compostable packaging solutions that minimize waste and can be easily integrated into the zero-waste shopping model.
3. Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a digital platform that connects zero-waste stores across different cities and facilitates knowledge sharing and best practices for sustainable retail.
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