Embrace a Low-Waste Lifestyle With These Sustainable Stores in Metro Manila

Did you know that the Philippines produces 14.66 million tonnes of solid waste a year? According to the United Nations Environment Programme's report on waste management in ASEAN countries, the Philippines is only fourth behind Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam as the top waste generators in Southeast Asia. That's almost 0.7 kilograms of trash per day per Filipino.

This is an alarming amount of trash, but it's a situation that isn't entirely futile. Start making a change today by minimizing the waste you produce at home. Going zero waste may sound daunting and extreme for beginners, but keep in mind that no one becomes zero waste overnight. Aim for a low-waste lifestyle and make adjustments in the areas of your life where you can.

To kickstart your low-waste journey, check out these sustainable, zero waste stores in Metro Manila.

Simula

South peeps, do not despair. Simula makes it possible for you to go low-waste. Simula is a local brand in Paranaque City that makes sustainable and zero waste products accessible for Filipinos and their pets. We recommend its biodegradable and compostable trash bags, and the dishwashing brick and pure castille soap from The Little Green Home PH, which Simula carries. To refill your products, simply pick a bottle, refill what you need, and pay.

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Luminary

Luminary is a store along Cailles Street in Bangkal that offers affordable grocery products minus single-use packaging. It carries everything you may need, from pantry staples like nuts, cooking oil, condiments, grains, pasta, and dried fruits to cleaning essentials like dishwashing liquid, fabric conditioner, liquid detergents, and bathroom products. Don't forget to bring your own containers when visiting Luminary!

Ritual

Many will call Ritual the OG zero waste store in Metro Manila. This small, plastic bag-free general store has been around since 2010, long before zero waste became mainstream. While the pandemic saw Ritual permanently shut the doors of its physical Arnaiz store in Makati, it continues to provide sustainable products to the public today through its online store. We especially love Ritual for its variety of liquid soaps (which can be refilled by appointment) sold in old school Ginebra kwatro kantos bottles. Ritual’s also known for championing Philippine heritage foods, such as asin tibook, wild mangrove honey from Palawan, and dried gamet seaweed.

KatHa Lifestyle Store

KatHa in Cubao Expo is a zero waste lifestyle store and café in one. Apart from offering sustainable bath and beauty, home and interior, and food and health products, KatHa also holds weekend workshops for the general public. Its workshops range from soy candle making, terrarium making, green household cleaning, basic wood crafting, and coffee home brewing basics, among others. Its workshops are currently done online with a live guide via Zoom, whereas equipment for the workshops are all common home items.

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Humble Market

Humble Market is a holistic wellness bulk and multichannel store founded by functional medicine certified health coach Roanna Medina. It has a bulk store in Glorietta 2 in Makati City, carrying an extensive range of sustainable essentials from baking staples, beverages, snacks, and superfoods to non-food products for home care, beauty, pet care, and self-care.

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The Naturale Market

Last on our list is The Naturale Market, which has two branches in Bonifacio Global City and Ayala Malls Manila Bay. This local, ethical, and sustainable store is your one-stop shop for every natural, organic, and zero waste need you may have, from basic essentials to little luxuries. It champions the craftsmanship of Filipino artisans and entrepreneurs through its food, beverage, home and living, beauty, wellness, and pet care products.

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