Barely a year ago, the concept of zero-waste shopping (and we’re not talking about loose vegetables from the wet market) was an unfamiliar one in Hong Kong. Now, there are at least five retailers in the city that cater to the rising number of people who care about buying sustainably and minimising plastic in their grocery baskets and homes.
Slowood, which opened on January 19 in Kennedy Town, is Hong Kong’s newest zero-waste store, selling a selection of perishables, such as bulk cereals, nuts and eggs, alongside cleaning products, skincare, homewares and health drinks. The Scandi-minimalist, 2,900 sq ft store also has a vegan cafe that applies the same tread-softly philosophy to its menu and kitchen practices.
Hong Kong zero-waste, packaging-free store takes on supermarkets
Its founders are husband and wife Chen Kai-ping and Dora Lam Shuk-man, who opened Slowood with family members, having run the eco-focused Tai Mei Tuk art gallery and shop Pimary since 2016.
Inspiration for Slowood came last April, when Lam, then pregnant, was seeking environmentally friendly products for her young family.
“In Hong Kong, there are many shops selling this and that but you have to visit lots of places to get everything you need. We wanted a one-stop shop. So we decided to start one ourselves,” she says.
Adopting sustainable habits can be a slow process, says Lam, which explains the name of her new undertaking. “We’re all learning and growing together as we go. It’s not about criticising people for using plastic; we want to show people there are alternatives.”
While being able to shop “zero waste” remains a luxury for many in the city, Lam says that Slowood’s foodstuffs are cheaper than packaged supermarket versions, and bulk goods are priced per 10 grams, to cater to shoppers who want small amounts.
In a city where more than 2,000 tonnes of plastic goes into landfills every day, businesses like Slowood might appear to be fighting a losing battle. But Lam believes green businesses can help turn the tide.
“It is starting with people who are educated about the issues – we need to spread the message. Locals might find it interesting when they come here, and like the price, quality and the fact it’s organic. Then they change their habits,” she says. “Small things spread.”
Slowood is at The Hudson, 11 Davis Street, Sai Wan, tel: 2818 0203; slowood.hk.
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