Curb Your Plastic Use With These Zero-Waste Stores in Bangkok

Thailand's Pollution Control Department estimated around 2 million tonnes of plastic waste were generated annually in the country for the past decade, as per a report by the Heinrich Böll Stiftung foundation on Oct. 26, 2021. Moreover, only a quarter of this figure was properly collected and recycled.

Amid the pandemic, the Thai government bolstered its efforts to solve the country's plastic problem. In 2020, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment kicked off its plastic bag reduction campaign in a bid to lower plastic waste generation by 30% by the end of the year. The foundation also reported that in the year prior, the Thai government had rubberstamped the Roadmap on Plastic Management for 2022-2030, which will see, among others, the complete prohibition of seven different types of single-use plastics.

On the private side, there are local businesses in Bangkok that are doing their own part to reduce plastic waste and give consumers more sustainable options. These zero-waste stores and refilling stations are just some of these enterprises doing the good work, allowing patrons to bring their own bags and shop in bulk as ways to lessen their carbon footprint. Check them out!

Refill Station

Refill Station, nestled within Better Moon Café along Sukhumvit Road, is Thailand's first ever bulk store. It calls itself an "(in)convenience store" and offers a myriad of daily essentials to the public without producing unnecessary waste. Its refilling station allows patrons to stock up on different products like shampoo, conditioner, tooth powder, lotion, dish soap, toilet cleaner, and more. Simply bring your own reusable bottles and start refilling.

Normal Shop

Normal Shop along Nanglinchi Road is a refillery, green living store, and zero-waste community in one. Apart from the usual liquid soaps and bars, you can expect to find reusable containers and straws, bottled refreshments, bamboo cutlery, mugs, and gardening supplies in this store. You may also visit its online shop if you are unable to venture out.

ZeroMoment Refillery

Although not necessarily for vegetarians, you'll love ZeroMoment Refillery if you are. Those on a plant-based diet will appreciate this store's wide range of foodstuff offerings in bulk, such as various types of nuts, seeds, beans, grains, pasta, herbs, spices, oils and sauces, and flour for baking. It also offers cleaning and personal care products to keep your home and body spick and span, and smelling good.

Siam Botanicals Thailand

Love skincare but hate the excess plastic that comes in the packaging of most beauty brands? Check out Siam Botanicals, a shop along Sukhumvit Road that offers plastic-free, natural and organic skincare handcrafted in Thailand. It also has a zero-waste refillery for needs like shampoo, body wash, body scrub, body oil, and conditioner, too, in case you can't take a trip to its flagship store.