FAQs
What is zero waste?
The idea behind zero waste is that no waste is sent to landfill. This can be achieved by:
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REDUCING what we use,
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REUSING everything we can,
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RECYCLING what we can’t reduced or reused
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COMPOSTING anything that is left
What is Sero Zero Waste?
Sero Zero Waste was started by us (Liz and Laura) as part of a vision to reduce plastic waste and consumer impact on the environment. We found that not only is it difficult enough to achieve a plastic free lifestyle in today’s world but also that there was no zero waste shops near us that we could just pop to, so we thought it was about time Newport had it's very own zero waste shop (enter Sero Zero Waste).
Unlike traditional large supermarkets where everything comes pre-packaged, at Sero customers can bring their own containers (or purchase reusable containers in-store) and pay by weight and take just what is required. Sero will stock dried whole foods such as pasta, flour, grains etc., fresh fruit and vegetables (when our physical shop opens its doors). We currently supply sustainable alternatives to everyday products that advocate a behaviour change towards single-use consumption, we call these our ‘eco swaps’. We also provide cleaning and bathroom refills.
Sero aims to not only make shopping zero-waste as convenient as possible but will also act as an ‘zero waste’ hub where the local community can take action against plastic by participating in things like green workshops, repair cafes, clothes swaps, litter pick activities. We want to inspire our customers to feel empowered about the choices they are making and hopefully make a positive change to the current ‘normal’ consumerist lifestyle.
Where are you based? I’d like to visit your store
Do you obtain your products packaging free?
Where possible we shop local from small independent businesses - this means we often can either go pick up orders ourselves (meaning we don’t need postal packaging and can take our own containers) or we can request that our products arrive with minimal packaging and zero plastic.
Our cleaning and bathroom refills are supplied to us through a ‘closed loop’ system meaning that all containers are returned to our supplier and reused.
Wholefoods will be ordered in bulk meaning minimal packaging is used - where possible we will work with wholesalers to receive recyclable packaging only.
Are your products vegan?
All of our household cleaning and bathroom refill products are plastic free, vegan, plant based and animal cruelty free. All of our other products or ‘eco swaps’ are vegan or have vegan options available excluding our beeswax wraps, beeswax blocks and honey.
How do plastic free refills work?
Customers can bring in their own containers and fill up from package free bulk produce such as, whole foods, cleaning products and bathroom refills. Reusing containers in this way reduces waste to landfill and reduces the market for plastic production. Simply:
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Bring your own containers (BYOC)
- Just starting your zero waste journey? No problem you can buy reusable containers in the store! Or if you find you have forgotten your own then make use of second hand containers donated by other customers. -
Weigh it
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Fill your container from package free bulk dispensers
- You are only obliged to take what you need, no predetermined packaged products here!
- This not only reduces packaging waste but minimises food waste too. -
Reweigh your filled containers
- all products are paid for by weight, so you only pay for what you want.
Do you offer Click and Collect?
Yes! Simply use code PICKUP at checkout to remove delivery fees and leave us a note to let us know when you’ll be visiting to collect your order!
Will your zero waste shop sell food?
Yes! As well as the household cleaning and bathroom refills we currently offer at our pop up shops and through deliveries, we will also be providing food refills in store. Our wholefoods will be stored in bulk containers where you can fill your own containers with as much or little as you need.
Do you deliver?
Yes, we can deliver all our non-refill products straight from our online store to anywhere in the UK. We currently only offer local refill deliveries within Newport when lockdown restrictions prevent our customers from visiting us in person.
How much is delivery?
Standard delivery is £3.50, however for local deliveries we charge £1.50. Our clever little website will let you know which you come under when you type in your address for shipping.
What is your policy on returns?
We aim to make shopping zero waste shopping as easy as possible and work for you! If there’s a problem with your product, please take a pic and send it to us at hello@serozerowaste.co.uk. Working on a case by case basis we will either refund you or send you a new product.
Simply changed your mind? We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. To start a return, you can contact us at hello@serozerowaste.co.uk. We’ll then send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package.
Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.