With sustainability a key topic of Audi’s CIAS 2020 presentation, we figured: Why not carry on the eco-friendly conversation? Namely, the new (and welcome) trend of reusing containers, and the joys of “naked” products.

What’s a “naked” product, you ask? Simply, it doesn’t have wasteful or plastic-filled packaging. If you already bring your own reusable bags when you buy groceries or use metal straws, it’s a little bit like that — just a step or two further.

And given that Toronto’s a big, amazing city — where an increasing number of people are embracing the zero-waste life — there are actually plenty of options for sustainable, ‘unboxed’ marketplaces (and even the occasional shopping guide) to help you make green living that much easier.

The Canadian Success Story

Bulk Barn! You know it, you love it, and they’ve got locations all over the city. But did you know they offer a reusable container program? It’s as simple as cleaning a jar and having it weighed on site (so you’re not dinged for the weight of the glass) before filling it with anything from baking ingredients to candy to cupboard staples.

Sure, Bulk Barn’s plastic bags are recyclable, but remember, the “reduce, reuse, recycle” refrain is a list of descending priority. In other words, reducing and reusing is more important than recycling.

The Lunch Hour Wisebox

You’re downtown — maybe traversing the PATH — and you’re starving. Lunch awaits!

Ah, but you didn’t bring your own food.
Ah, but buying takeout means creating several pieces of garbage.
Enter: The Wisebox.

As written about in NOW Magazine, Wisebox is a new pilot program (with the city’s blessing) that lets you reuse a takeout container, assuming you’ve paid the simple $5 deposit fee.

Unfortunately, given that the program is still so new, there are only a handful of restaurants (a little over a dozen, at the time of writing) that are currently participating. Buying in now, however, could make a huge difference: You (yes, you!) could help foster growth of future waste reduction solutions with similar approaches.

The Naked Marketplace

Sure, you’ll need to be fully clothed to take part, but emerging shops like the Unboxed Market are where conscious consumers can bring their own jars (for pour-your-own honey), buy products with little-to-no packaging, and in general, buy sustainably-sourced items for day-to-day life.

The Unboxed approach isn’t even all that radical: Meat is still on the menu; it’s just Ontario-raised. The veggies, meanwhile, are simply what’s in season.

Worth it

Going green/zero-waste is all about collaboration, and doing your part to help. And in a place like Toronto, you have plenty of resources at your fingertips. (There are even low-waste cocktail bars popping up!)

It’s just one more reason why we LoveTO.

Sustainability isn’t easy, but it’s also not impossible. We just have to make an effort.