I am completely stoked about the announcement of a zero-packaging store that will be opening this fall in Austin, Texas. “in.gredients” most probably will be the first store in the U.S. to be package free and have zero waste in their store(s).

How can this be, you ask? Well, it’s because some forward-thinking entrepreneurs are setting their sights on being the “next step” in fixing a variety of problems in today’s food industry. They state that there mission is to be a different kind of grocery store, one that is responsible to the environment and community and one that facilitates a healthy lifestyle.

In their recent press release, in.gredients promises to be an alternative to supermarket-style shopping, featuring local, organic food products, offering cooking classes and gardening activities on site, and hosting a variety of community oriented events geared towards promoting healthy living.

Customers will bring their own reusable containers to hold their purchases or they can purchase compostable containers from the store. It’s bulk food buying at a higher level and it doesn’t get much more sustainable than this.

in.gredients is also searching for investors for this worthy venture, and I’m sure they won’t be searching for very long. This new style of bulk merchandising will hopefully very soon, become the norm as people continue to learn the value of sustainable living.

Almost half of everything that goes to our landfills is packaging and most of that packaging has been used only one time. I am very anxious to see this philosphy spread throughout the nation and eventually see package free, zero waste stores for all consumable products. It’s a no-brainer and it’s a win-win for everyone!