(PSFK) — Even the most eco-conscious of consumers forgets their tote bag every once in a while, and pounds of plastic packaging add to waste. For those looking to support the environment without adding to the landfill, there will soon be a new grocery store in Brooklyn touting the practice of B.Y.O.C: Bring Your Own Container.
The Fillery is a grocery store in which customers can come in with whatever device to hold their various food items. Instead of having groceries in pre-set packaging, the store will have dispensers for different products and customers will fill their container with as much as they need. At the counter, the package is weighed and priced.
Its creator, Sarah Metz, tells PSFK that her inspiration for The Fillery was a combination of her environmental concerns and her culinary experimentation:
“I’ve been an advocate for eco-concious living for as long as I can remember. In recent years, I’ve become more and more concerned about the amount of waste we generate as humans and the role consumerism plays. On a more personal and local level, I’m frustrated by the grocery options in my community. I enjoy cooking and trying new ingredients, but I’m limited by the fact that I’m buying for one person and have a kitchen with minimal storage. I’ve always dreamed of living near a store like The Fillery and wondered why one didn’t exist here.”
The store will also feature different classes to help community members learn new techniques, tricks and recipes, and a seasonal vegetable area to provide year-round fresh produce. Thus far, Metz tells PSFK, the response has been favorable:
“I’ve gotten a lot of fantastic feedback from the community. My hope is that it will appeal to a variety of people, whether they enjoy cooking and want to try unique ingredients, are moving toward a zero waste or more sustainable lifestyle and want package free options, or are looking to save a little bit of money on pantry staples. I also have plans for a variety of workshops, so I hope The Fillery will become somewhat of a community gathering place.”
The Fillery launched a Kickstarter campaign in order to make the dream of this new grocery store a reality. On April 1st, the campaign reached its goals, with over $17,000 from 388 backers. So if you live in Brooklyn, bring your take-out containers, old pasta jars, or your trusty tupperware, because the store will be opening this summer.
Images courtesy of Sarah Metz
This article was written by Sara Roncero-Menendez from PSFK and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.
