Zero Waste Shopping in Brussels: the Story of Stock
More and more shops in Brussels come with a zero waste concept. It’s a wonderful evolution in going for less waste, as to packaging, but also as to buying just the quantity you need. A lovely, relatively new store is Stock. We had an interview with the founders, to get to know their concept and story.
Hello! Can you tell us a bit more about Stock, how did you build it up?
The Stock store opened in November of 2016. After opening the bar / resto La Contrebande on the other side of the street, Quentin, the manager, opened the organic grocery in the neighbourhood with a large quantity of bulk products. The store is very much focused on reducing waste: more than 100 products are offered in bulk and we encourage clients to use their own reusable containers to do their shopping. We ourselves also limit our use of plastic as much as possible: our silos for the sales in bulk are entirely made of stainless steel and/or glass.
The quality of the products and a fair price for the producers form the foundation of our work. Besides, we work with small producers that work in an artisan way, respecting people and the planet. We work in a horizontal and democratic way, which means that our business structure works as a self-management, giving each person the chance to develop his/her competences and knowledge and to contribute to the development of the project. Clients can also become cooperants and hence give their opinion on the global strategy of the enterprise, and get discounts on their purchases.
How do you aim to contribute to sustainability through Stock?
We contribute to sustainability in various ways:
- By only selling products that are issued from organic farming, with environmentally respectful practices;
- By encouraging people to consume more responsible goods, buying less waste and more local products;
- By creating awareness towards our clients on the importance of quality products and fair prices for producers;
- By supporting artisan, local producers and favouring products with a low ecological impact.
How do you think Brussels is doing when it comes to sustainability?
More and more organic shops are opening in Brussels, offering products in bulk. We’re delighted with the revival of neighbourhood businesses, which allow citizens to do their shopping by foot or bike, and which therefore encourages slow mobility in the city. We want to raise the attention of consumers on the importance of supporting quality, organic farming. With the organic industry growing rapidly, we keep being aware on the importance of quality. Besides selling products, we also have an important role to play in creating awareness among our clients on the importance of sustainable food. We support some small and new associations that do Do it Yourself workshops and invite them regularly at our shop. Community projects and transition movements are growing, and we want to go hand in hand with them to build a more sustainable city.
Do you have some tips of sustainable sites in Brussels for our readers, or some places you particularly like?
We work together with Demain en Main, for the organization of Do it Yourself workshops. We also just visited and loved the new production site of mushrooms in Brussels, located in the caves of Anderlecht. La Guinguette du Parc de Forest, recreating a link within the public space is something else we love, and of course, there are our friends of Zero Waste Belgium.
Thanks for this lovely story and these great tips, keep up the good work!
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Find the review we made about Stock here.
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