When it comes to shopping, the greenest way to go about it is to not shop at all. But, the second best way to go about it is to shop sustainably.
In Part II of our 8Shades Neighbourhood Guide to Central, here are some of our fave eco retail shops where you can pick up all the essentials needed for a sustainable lifestyle in Hong Kong:
See also: Neighbourhood Guide: Eco Coffee Shops in Central, Hong Kong
Green Common
The flagship Green Common store is something of an eco-friendly vision for Hong Kong, with a coffee and drink bar that features dairy-free drinks (oat milk is the default here) as well as a wholesome selection of grab-and-go options for busy Hongkongers.
Upstairs, tempting plates will delight any palette, with specialties like OmniPork Wonton and Unlimeat Beef Stew, artfully prepared in the tradition of Asian Fusion. In the grocery section, stock up on your favourite brands with a wide range of plant-based and vegan- and food-restriction friendly items.
Green Common, Shop G01 & 101, Nexxus Building, 77 Des Voeux Road Central
Slowood
Get all your bulk buying needs fulfilled at Slowood Central Market. Here the sustainable lifestyle is attainable, with zero waste and reusable household items, from storage to cleaning, a selection of bulk buy food and cleaning products, and a sizable collection of clean beauty options. Recently Slowood has partnered with EcoCart to ensure a carbon neutral shopping experience so you have the option to lower your carbon footprint when you shop select brands.
Slowood, Shop 231-233, 2/F, Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road, Central
HULA
Promoting designer digs within reach and sustainable fashion, HULA is Hong Kong’s foremost retailer for pre-owned luxury wear. The success of their first retail location in Wong Chuk Hang has led to their second space and first boutique, right here in Central. Snag thoughtfully curated handbags, shoes, accessories and womenswear from brands like Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Christian Dior, Fendi, Gucci and more. Selling your items is easy too, and 5% of net profits are donated to partnered charities.
HULA, 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Stylebase
Keep your eyes peeled for Stylebase, the lifestyle pop-up shop featuring some of Hong Kong’s most unique brands in fashion, jewelry, activewear and home decor. Shop like-minded homegrown brands like vintage jewelrey from Candice Luk Fine Jewellery, OEKO-TEX approved high performance sportswear by Zyphr, and Eccobazar, which carries beautiful eco-friendly and sustainably made home items, from decorative pillows to silky knitted throws. It’s a great platform for small businesses and to discover something new too!
Learn more at instagram.com/stylebasehongkong
reBooked
Founded by 15-year old Bailey Cherry in 2019, reBooked has become Hong Kong’s first and largest bookshop for pre-loved English language children’s books. Managed by students, reBooked recycles children’s books year-round, promoting the awareness and importance of sustainability through literacy. Keep your books out of landfills and pick up books for all ages, including graphic novels, activity books and even study guides.
ReBooked, 1/F, 9 Mee Lun St, Central, Hong Kong
Gingko Store
Social enterprise Gingko House operates a small yet robust shop on the first floor of Central Market, stocking locally grown and hand-packaged food and snack products. Prepared with organic produce from its local farms and kitchens in LOHAS, Gingko Store is part of the Gingko House social enterprise, creating employment opportunities for the city’s senior citizen population by allowing them to participate in the packaging process.
Gingko House, Shop P03B, 1/F, 93 Queen’s Road Central
Bathe to Basics
As the seasons change, restock your bathroom with handmade and organic skincare from Bathe to Basics. With a commitment to formulating products that benefit your skin, Bathe to Basics products are proudly made in Hong Kong with all natural ingredients. Easily add their line of products to your existing collection with their refill station, which lets you bring any container to their home store to refill with a variety of soaps for hair, face, dental and body.
Bathe to Basics, S403, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St, Hong Kong
Zero Yet 100
Shop your favourite Zero Yet 100 products, the brand that brings us Hong Kong’s most beloved natural deodorant. Find your format, whether that’s their alumnium pot, push up stick or deodorant spray and stay odour-, sweat- and worry-free knowing that you’re protected by 100% natural and non-toxic ingredients.
The majority of their products are housed in 96% plastic free and reusable packaging, many of which are refillable too. Completely overhaul your skincare routine by checking out their body and facial products too!
Zero Yet 100, 702 Car Po Commercial Building, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong
Neal’s Yard Remedies
Pioneers of natural and organic skincare since 1981, Neal’s Yard specialises in organic, ethical and sustainably-made wellness and skincare products that are 100% vegan too. Find solutions for sensitive skin, baby care, inner health, and herbal remedies.
Their core beliefs in nature, honesty and transparency translate into products that never use animal testing or microbeads, and are procured through organic farming meaning no toxic chemicals or residues. They also proudly ensure that their organic farming methods support the earth, while also protecting the health risk of the farmers who create their products.
Neal’s Yard Remedies, G/F, 65 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
See also: Neighbourhood Guide: Eco Coffee Shops in Central, Hong Kong
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