Hyderabad's first no plastic 'Zero Waste Eco-store'

Pankaj, a chartered accountant by profession has opened the first 'Zero Waste Eco-store' in Hyderbad with the idea of reducing the usage of plastic waste in our everyday lives. The store not only promotes non-plastic packaging materials but also encourages customers to use organically-made products, which are also available at the store.

Hyderabad (Telangana): Drawing inspiration from zero-waste grocery stores located in Chennai, Shimla and Bangalore, Pankaj, a chartered accountant by profession, opened a store in Hyderabad with the similar concept as the city needed it the most.

Nestled in the alleys of the Secunderabad area, 'Zero Waste Eco-store' has about 170 items from rice, grains to home pickle and snacks, aesthetically arranged at the store in glass containers and metallic boxes.

With having an interior that inspires the customers not to use plastic, this unconventional store offers more than just edible items. The shop has coffee scrubs, herbal soaps, organic shampoo and cutlery packed in small pouches. Many of the products at the shop are homemade by women, especially the pickles and cloth bags.

As you step into the store, you will find slogans written on the wall that resonates with the idea of -'Say no to plastic' and everything is arranged in a manner that is appealing in nature.

Opened three months ago, it is unlike any other grocery stores in the town.

"This is our little contribution in reducing the usage of plastic waste in our everyday lives," says Pankaj, who was supported by his family in this noble initiative.

This is the first such initiative in Hyderabad, said Pankaj, adding that customers are encouraged to get their own non-plastic packaging materials.

The store not only promotes non-plastic packaging materials but also encourages customers to use organically-made products, which are also available at the store.

"By eliminating plastic from our everyday lives, we stay in touch with a healthier lifestyle," said Pankaj, who believes every customer can contribute to the cause by plastic-free shopping.

Step in and you can shop for a lot of your home needs, but remember to take your own bags, bottles and containers. If you aren’t carrying these, the store stocks a few cloth bags, bottles and paper covers for a price.

The store has a stringent no-plastic rule and is happy to pack all your essentials — rice, pulses, oils, cleaners et al — in paper covers, cloth bags and containers.

“All the products sold at my store are tested and no preservatives are added to it,” he said, adding “soon we will launch our online store.”

On being asked about the source of the produce Pankaj says that most of the products are bought from local wholesalers on the assurance of great quality and price.

Ganesh- a software engineer, who supplies cloth bags-alternative to plastic bags says he will offer free bags to those who want a plastic-free society.

Customers, who have been to the store expressed happiness towards the management and the unique initiative.

"In the last 20-30 years everything has changed and it is the need of the hour to switch to our traditional way of living when people used to buy grocery the way we are trying to sell," adds Pankaj.