The owners of Seattle’s zero waste shop, Eco Collective, know your garbage can feel trashy. In October, the duo--Genevieve Livingston and Marimar White-Espin--opened a brick and mortar shop in Ballard (5201 Ballard Ave. NW), graduating from the 10-foot by 10-foot booth they’ve had at the Fremont Sunday Market since 2017.
Inside, you’ll find necessities for low-impact living. The business has grown into a community resource offering classes, workshops and dinners, in addition to sustainable alternatives—such as bamboo toothbrushes and beeswax food storage wraps—to everyday essentials. If going down the zero-waste path sounds intimidating, you can get started with Eco Collective’s Zero Waste Starter Kit which includes items such as reusable utensils and a set of reusable produce bags. Or attend an introductory how-to class (prices vary); simplicity is sure to follow.