Eco-Friendly in Beijing With The Bulk House
Trying to live an eco-friendlier lifestyle in China oftentimes feels impossible, what with all the excessively over-packaged waimai, individually wrapped toilet paper rolls, cellophane snuggled fruit and vegetables, not to mention the packaging nightmare that is strawberries (why are they individually placed in cupcake cases!?). All of which is to say, it's easy to feel like you’re just fighting a losing battle.
What's the deal with this strawberry packaging!?
Luckily, The Bulk House, also known as Lagom Planet, China's first and only zero-waste social enterprise, is a happy ally waiting to fight that battle with you. The business was founded by Carrie Yu and her partner Joe in 2017, with the aim of making zero-waste living in Beijing easy and convenient by selling a range of zero-waste, environmentally-friendly, and sustainable products.
The Bulk House in Beiluoguxiang
They have a – their latest brick and mortar store since the shuttering of their Gulou location – which is where I first stumbled across them, much to my surprise, having no idea that this type of enterprise existed in the capital.
Inside has a warehouse feel, with a stripped back interior consisting of wooden shelves and tables displaying a plethora of sustainable products that would surely make Greta Thunberg proud.
From everyday items such as reusable shopping bags, metal straws, and eco-friendly razors, to the more unusual – bamboo ear cleaner anyone? – they have everything you need to start working towards a more green and sustainable lifestyle. Personally, I'm a big fan of their 100 percent bamboo toilet paper, which is of course completely plastic-free. Because, if you hadn't guessed from the introduction, individually plastic wrapped toilet paper rolls are a pet peeve of mine.
Finally, non-plastic wrapped toilet paper!
Along with household items they also offer a wide range of plastic-free, natural, vegan toiletries such as shampoo and conditioner bars which are also a great travel companion if you want to save luggage space. Another unique initiative is the "fill up station" where you can bring your own container and fill it up with shampoo, conditioner or soap, and pay by volume.
Now, as expected, most products are going to cost you more than the ones you get at your local supermarket, but it's a small price to pay if we're want to continue living on this earth. Having said that, they do have some free items on offer such as second-hand books, however, shoppers are encouraged to take only what they will read.
Shampoo, conditioner and soap fill up station
For those who struggle to find the time to go out shopping or live further out in Beijing, it's no problem. In addition to their physical location, The Bulk House has a WeChat store, a Taobao store, and an online store. Of course, both in store and for deliveries, all their packaging is plastic-free, including biodegradable tape which is also available to purchase.
If you’re interested in more sustainable living in Beijing, you should definitely give their WeChat account (ID: TheBulkHouse_China) a follow, as they regularly post articles both in English and Chinese about ways to live more sustainably. Here you'll also find regular offers, news of markets they'll be selling at, and some of the interesting events they host such as their "Anti 11.11 Swap" event, where you can bring unwanted items and exchange them for items you do want.
Scan the QR codes and get shopping!
So although the road to a more sustainable future might seem an uphill struggle in today's Beijing, if you feel like starting the journey, a trip to The Bulk House is a highly recommended first step. We can all make a difference. Unfortunately, though, they don't sell strawberries!
The Bulk House
70 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng District
东城区北锣鼓巷70号
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Images: Dianping, The Bulk House
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