Atlanta Zero Waste Guide — zero waste atlanta

Filling Stations and Growler Shops are becoming a go-to for beers drinkers looking for a story behind their beer choice. A few neighborhood friendly spots for beer by the growler include Intown Market (Old 4th Ward), Ale Yeah! (Oakhurst), Candler Park Market (Candler Park), HopCity Craft Beer & Wine (Krog Street Market/ West Midtown) and Taps Craft Beers & Growlers (Decatur). For Wine by the growler, check out Wahoo! Wine & Provisions (Oakhurst) and 3 Parks Wine (Glenwood Each Growler system differs from establishment to establishment, be sure to call ahead to know if they provide you with a growler...

Come to Mama! Really there's a bath and body shop called Mama (in Avondale Estates and Krog Street Market). It's a local business with handmade goodies including soaps, lip balms, scrubs, essential oils. They also teach classes if you want to learn how to make your own soaps. Another zero waste personal care option is LUSH (Lenox Mall); they have a wide variety of unpackaged products including soap, scrubs, fizz balls and deodorant bars. You can get unpackaged soap at Sevananda and Whole Foods also. On Fort Negrita, I have how-tos for making your own products at home. See how...

Kroger on Moreland; their hot bar is the best place to stock up on hummus, olives and other savory yummies like roasted red peppers and stuffed grape leaves. You can also visit your favorite Mediterranean restaurant for these food goodies. My favorites are Cafe Agora (Midtown) and Lawrence's Cafe (Oakhurst).

If you looking for eggs without the Styrofoam or plastic carton visit a farmer's market, where farmers will hand them to you (literally). There's also friends with chickens, I happen to have two friends with livestock. If you don't have a friend with chickens, check Craigslists; that way, you can make friends with people that own chickens.

There are several places in Atlanta where you can get bread without packaging. Here's the thing, you have to call in the morning explain your zero waste lifestyle and ask them to set aside a loaf for you unpackaged. Top choices for zero waste bread are La Calavera Bakery (Decatur), Highland Bakery (Old 4th Ward), Alon's  (Virginia Highland/ Dunwoody) and newly-opened Proof (Inman Park). Also if you're lucky, you can sometimes get zero waste bread at Whole Foods if they have some unpackaged loaves in the bakery.