The cherry tomatoes in the small cardboard box and the organic cucumber in a plastic wrapper. This is actually practical, as it protects them from dirt and those consumers who like to touch everything and then decide not to buy it. However, the plastic wrap and small baskets consume valuable resources and must be recycled. Now, Swiss food retailers are increasingly embracing the "unpackaged" approach.

What does a packaging-free store look like?
Stores that completely or largely forgo packaging look like a general store from fifty years ago. Large bins for dry goods, barrels for liquid products, and displays for fresh produce like vegetables or fruit are everywhere. Sustainability is also a priority with the containers, which is why most are made of wood, glass, or metal. In some stores, customers can use reusable containers for a deposit—or bring their own. Whether it's a cloth bag or a preserving jar, the container is first weighed empty and then filled—so you only pay for the amount actually purchased.

Do you know of any great shops that are packaging-free or take an innovative approach? Share them with us in the comments below!

Who is participating in packaging-free shopping in Switzerland?
Migros is setting a good example as one of the first wholesalers with its "Zero Waste" campaign. Consumers can purchase organic products at selected stores via filling stations and refill cleaning supplies in containers they bring with them . It's paying off – Migros is saving thousands of tons of plastic waste from its own products.

Other packaging-free grocery stores are smaller or regionally located:

• In Aarau there is the Unverpackt cooperative .
• oba aba enables packaging-free shopping in Chur.
• The unpackaged store with bistro in Thun also impresses with its design.
• In French-speaking Switzerland, Atout Vrac is located in Fribourg
• And Chez Mami has a whole range of stores all over Switzerland.

While not entirely without packaging, Natürlich unverpackt in Basel at least does so without plastic. Other retailers encouraging this new form of sustainable shopping include Bare Ware , Ohne.ch , and " Pfünderli . " These unpackaged stores sell not only groceries, but also cleaning products, other household items, and beverages. If you don't have a bottle for the latter yet, check out our new TreeBottles Glass !

You can find another exciting article on the topic of packaging here .