In theory the circular economy sounds great, but how do we start to incorporate its concepts into our day to day lives? As consumers and purchasers, one of the biggest impacts we can make revolves around our purchasing decisions. By consciously choosing where and on what we spend our money on we can drive change. To help get you started, we have compiled an array of suggestions on where to shop, how to reduce your waste levels, what to do with those items you no longer want and much more. Scroll down to get some inspiration and ideas on places to check out in Victoria!
Refill Solutions
One of the easiest switches you can make to reduce your personal waste levels is to start shopping at stores that allow you to bring your own containers in to fill with their products. From cleaning products to coffee beans to your favourite snacks, you can now say good-bye to unnecessary plastic packaging.
Zero Waste Emporium
Victoria's first zero waste grocery store! Many amazing and local goodies including milk on tap
Cook Culture
Dish soap, hand soap, laundry detergent and counter top cleaner from Spadilla Soap Co. Eco friendly plant based cleaners
West Coast Refill
Home cleaning, body care, and many other unique products to make zero waste living even easier
Fernwood Coffee
Bring your empty 1lb Fernwood Coffee bag to the Parsonage Cafe and they will refill it for you and take $1 off your purchase
Nezza Naturals
Victoria made, organic, and cruelty free face, body, hair and home care products. Refillable options are available
Bulk
Barn
Canadian based company for all your dry-good refill needs! Bring your clean container, get it weighed and scoop away
sHARING
Like our parents used to always tell us, sharing is caring! When we take part in the sharing economy less goods are needed which spares resources, reduces waste and emissions, and frees up income. From car sharing to co-working spaces, Victoria has lots of great options that can provide you with the opportunity to own less and live lighter.
Modo
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Why own a car when you can share one! With a diverse selection, Modo makes car sharing easy and affordable
public libraries
Libraries are such a great local resource and offer so much more than just book! Check out their events and youth programs
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Nulla
Project
Forgot your reusable cup this morning? No problem - Nulla has you covered. Just a $5 refundable deposit at participating cafe's
tapbike victoria
Set up a user profile with the app, locate a bike hub, unlock with your phone and ride! Passes range from hourly to annually
Club
Kwench
Full-service work and culture club. Stunning co-working space with great membership options and awesome perks
tool
library
The Victoria Tool Library has an inventory of tools for just about any project that you can access with an annual membership
rEPAIR
Help extend the life of a product by finding ways to repair your existing products. It is amazing how some simple upkeep and maintenance can greatly extend the length of a product’s useful life. By repairing items locally we support our economy, preserve resources and save money.
Recyclistas Victoria
Recyclistas is a full-service bicycle repair shop, recycling depot and educational work-space. Check them out for bicycle recycling too
sEAMSTRESS
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A great option for getting your clothes to fit perfectly or to repair some of your favourite pieces extending their life.
TETRA computers
Specializing in computer repair and refurbished computers their knowledgeable staff will help you with all your tech troubles
COBBLER
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Cobblers can give a second life to your shoes and boots. A great consideration for repairs, sole replacements, new zippers and more
REPAIR
CAFES
Have some small household items or clothes that need repaired? Check out a repair cafe and get help fixing them for free
APPLIANCE REPAIR
For your larger home appliance such as washers, dryers, ovens and HVAC systems use a repair specialist
redistribute
As the old saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Just because you no longer want something doesn’t mean that no one else does either! For products you would like to dispose of consider if they can be resold, shared, or donated. When looking to make a purchase, consider buying second hand.
party supplies
Have a special event coming up? Party and event rentals are a great alternative to purchasing, especially for one time occasions
SUPPLY CO VICTORIA
SUPPLY redistributes used art, office and school supplies to artists, teachers and students in need of creative materials
Duchess and duke
Modern vintage consignment clothes. Don't be a part of 'fast fashion' anymore! Get some unique second hand finds here
Used.ca
Victoria
From used bikes, and camping gear to home appliances, art, furniture and more, Used.ca has it all on one platform
RESTORE VICTORIA
Home and building supply stores that accept and resell quality new and used building materials, furniture and appliances
Russel
books
What a way to spend a rainy Victorian afternoon! Russel's has a vast variety of gently used books to satisfy any reader
Products
Here is a small sampling of a few local businesses that see ‘waste’ materials as a valuable input for their products. From body wash made with smoothie scraps to upcycled wool jackets, Vancouver Island is home to a variety of businesses that have found innovative ways to loop materials back into our economy. When making a purchase look into where the product is made and what materials are used.
L/L Supply
L/L Supply exclusively uses upcycled or recycled materials to create long lasting durable apparel for all your adventures
jusu body & cleaning
All Jusu products are handmade in Victoria using the nutrient rich pulp leftovers from their cold pressed juices
ANIÁN
Manufactured in Canada from upcycled natural fibers Anián's apparel will keep you looking sharp and cozy
island Java bags
Burlap coffee bags sourced from local island roasters are upcycled to handcraft these cute totes and other accessories
Berg + Betts
Sophisticated eco-friendly
timepieces designed & assembled in Canada, committed to ethical manufacturing
retro repurposed
Furniture and art constructed out of 100% recycled pallets. Check them out on Etsy, Facebook or at a local market
Recycle
Recycling goes far beyond our curbside blue bins! By committing a little time and effort to disposing of objects you no longer have use for, you will find that many items can be given a second life though existing recycling systems. For instance, did you know that you can drop off Styrofoam materials at London Drugs and dead pens can be returned to Staples for recycling.
staples
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Staples can help you recycle some of those challenging office supplies such as pens, ink & toner cartridges and batteries
my recyclopedia
This great tool allows you to search any items you want to recycle and provides a list of locations to take it to
Era computers
This non-profit takes your old, damaged electronics and recycles and repairs them to donate to community charities
ergo eco solutions
Ergo recycles used cooking oil from restaurants on the Island and converts it into bio-fuel in the Cowichan Valley
london drugs
London Drugs offers recycling services for a wide variety of items such as soft plastics, Styrofoam, small appliances and much more
ellice recycle
For all of those harder to recycle items such as batteries, drywall, mattresses and more check out Ellice Recycling
