The top zero-waste and refill shops in Cornwall
People come to Cornwall because of its stunning coastline, abundant sea life, golden-sandy beaches and gorgeous clear, blue waters. But did you know that for every mile of beach in the UK, about 5,000 items of marine plastic pollution exist on it? Not only do single-use plastic products cause a blight on Cornwall’s beaches but they’re also causing irreparable damage to marine life, too.
So, as the county with the largest coastline of 422 miles, it comes as no surprise that the Cornish are deeply invested in their surroundings. Many Cornish towns have received plastic-free status from environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage, which is attempting to unite whole communities against single-use plastic of all types, including straws, bottles, packaging, takeaway boxes, cotton buds, clingfilm and forks.
It’s difficult to know where to start when tackling the overwhelming issues of protecting the planet, but you can make a positive impact and help lay the foundations for a sustainable future. Choosing to spend our money in zero-waste and refill shops is one way forward.
Unfamiliar with the concept? They’re stores where you can buy food and household items in bulk. You can bring your own containers, buy one from the store or take home your goods in non-plastic packaging.
If you’re cutting down on your plastic waste and are planning on spending time down in one of our Cornish holiday cottages, here’s a guide to our favourite zero-waste and refill shops in Cornwall.
Un_rap, Falmouth
Entrepreneur, environmentalist, primary school teacher and hiker Hannah Pearce set up Un_rap in 2018. The idea to open a no-waste shop came to her after she hiked the El Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile trek in Spain while avoiding single-use plastics to highlight the impact individuals can have when inspiring change.
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The result is a beautiful shop, packed with everything from pantry essentials, fresh groceries, household cleaning products and health and beauty items. To anyone who’s not used a refill shop before, the team is super-helpful. You simply bring your container, fill it, weigh it and pay. Goods are often way cheaper than you’d buy at a supermarket, so you’re saving money as well as protecting the planet.
If you’re staying in a Falmouth holiday cottage, Un_rap offers free delivery over £10 and delivery to surrounding villages (Flushing, Constantine and Mylor) is free for orders over £20.
The ReFill Store, Truro and Goonhavern
Set up by two Cornish mums fed up with the amount of plastic packaging going to waste, the Refill Store does what it says on the tin.
You can refill your own containers or use recycled paper bags to buy rice, pasta, cereals, spices, grains, pulses, dried fruits, nuts and seeds as well as body care and household cleaning products by weight.
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They also stock plastic-alternative products such as bamboo reusable cutlery, bamboo toothbrushes, beeswax wraps, reusable straws and storage containers for the home.
Refill Shop, Bude
The Refill Shop is a true social enterprise. In 2022, it sold 1,130 litres of washing up liquid and 1,000 litres of laundry liquid, saving 3,270 bottles from landfill. Zero-waste is at its core – and it’s also a great place to find delicious kitchen staples.
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Among the diverse wares you can purchase plastic free and by weight are steel-cut oats, vegan Moo Free chocolate buttons, chocolate-coated marshmallows and dark chocolate bars.
Fill Good, St Austell
This zero-waste family-run shop nestles in Par Market. Fill Good St Austell aims to make plastic-free shopping convenient and affordable. A wide variety of oils, vinegars, spices and pizza and pasta flours are available to buy among the usual pantry items.
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They also stock mason jars, which you can buy to store your soft fruits in the fridge rather than the plastic packaging. The glass jars keep them fresh for weeks – who knew?! Why not add some reusable, washable food covers (they come in a choice of fabrics) while you’re there.
No Wrap No Crap Zero Waste Hub, Liskeard
Pike Street’s premier eco-friendly shopping destination has just moved from the top of the street to number 20. The store offers an array of plastic-free products, from dry foods like nuts, seeds, pasta, rice and grains, to snacks, chocolate and household cleaning products.
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The team at No Wrap No Crap create their own herb and spice blends – choose from locals’ favourite Chimichurri, Flaming Flamenco and Chesapeake Bay – and even broth kits, like the Beastie From The Eastie (perfect to warm the cockles on a winter break at your holiday cottage in Cornwall). Head here for a budget-friendly introduction to packaging-free shopping and some non-processed, healthy vegan meal kits.
Incredible Bulk mobile zero-waste refill shop and delivery service, all around Cornwall
Husband-and-wife team Jack and Gemma set up Incredible Bulk to support others on their zero-waste journey. They decided to put their refill shop on the road to make adopting a plastic-free lifestyle as convenient and accessible as possible.
So, instead of having a single location, you’ll find them at various places around Cornwall to refill your reusables. They also run an emissions-free home delivery service by electric car.
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The couple personally select each product and focus on store-cupboard foods and everyday home essentials, including dried foods, home cleaning products, bathroom and lifestyle accessories. Everything is refillable or reusable and plastic free.
Looking for a zero-waste holiday? Take a look at our beautiful holiday cottages in Cornwall.
