WORLD — Tucked away in downtown Kitchener is a grocery store called Full Circle Foods. Inside, the atmosphere is light, the shelves are stocked, and a sign behind the counter reads 39 923 single use packages saved.
WCI EcoClub representatives, Victoria and Veronika, had the opportunity this December to speak to one of the co-owners of Full Circle Foods, who is also a WCI graduate. Julia has been co-owner for five years, after a fated evening when she and her partner stumbled upon a “For Sale” sign on a bulletin board for the zero-waste store. Though the idea of buying the store started as a joke, it soon became a very real possibility. As Julia dreamed of becoming a business owner and doing work that felt meaningful, through Full Circle Foods, Julia’s dream became a reality. Julia told EcoClub, “If I was watching a movie about my life, this [part] would be cool. I’d be like, oh, what happens next?”
Full Circle Foods is a unique grocery store because it produces no waste. Julia works hard to reduce packaging waste at the consumer’s level, encouraging customers to bring their own containers to fill with products from the bulk section. The store also composts wasted food and promotes plant-based foods and products.
Shopping at Full Circle Foods is designed to be a superior option compared to regular grocery stores. On top of making a difference to the environment by helping to minimize waste, products at Full Circle Foods are cheaper, as they are sold in bulk, even though the products are of extremely high quality. Almost all of the food is local, organic, and held to higher standards compared to traditional foods. One look at the store’s website clearly demonstrates the store’s commitment to quality and environment-friendly food.
Bulk grain and produce section of Full Circle Foods.
EcoClub also talked with Julia about other environmental issues. Should we, as a society, care more about the environment? How can we do better? Julia believes it isn’t up to the individual to reverse climate change and save our environment. We need governments that care. Julia mentioned the idea of walkable cities, where government should provide us with green alternatives to driving. However, there are still actions everyone can take to make a difference, however small, such as taking public transportation or walking instead of driving, reducing meat consumption, and avoiding air travel. It’s important to make small changes at a time and maintain a sustainable lifestyle. Julia advises, “Make sure it’s fun, and you’re not punishing yourself. Because it can actually be really lovely to make yourself a chickpea stew, and ride your bike, and fill your jar. It doesn’t have to be a punishment.”
You can find Julia and her store at their website, https://fullcirclefoods.ca, or on Instagram @fullcirclefoods.
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