Zero Waste Living

Portuguese shopping habits made this easier than it looks: the mercearia, the market stall and the wine bottle taken back to be refilled were normal within living memory. The refill and return model revives an old system rather than inventing one.

Maria Granel opened the first bulk organic grocery in Lisbon in 2015 and Bialógica does the same in São Brás de Alportel. Mind the Trash sells refills online, Rizoma runs a cooperative storefront in Anjos, and Zero Waste Lab pilots collaborative solutions across the city.

Start with the two or three items you buy most often; nobody converts a whole household in a week. See also plastic-free alternatives, recycling systems and minimalism and conscious consumption. Dated activities from these projects are listed in our events calendar.