The Best Zero Waste Stores in Lisbon

Sunny and hilly Lisbon is ahead of the game when it comes to eco-conscious practices. Making it quite easy to find bulk ingredients and sustainable products all over town.

Even though there are many other zero waste and bulk stores in Lisbon, these are the ones that I had an outstanding experience with and that I highly recommend to everyone. 

This list might suffer some changes, as I get to visit or order from different stores. Please, have in mind that this is entirely based on my personal experience as a sustainable living enthusiast and writer.

My criteria are based on the space, product selection, shopping experience, shipping package (if it was an online order), and customer service. 

Without further ado, here are my favorite places to stock up on eco-conscious products while in Lisbon. 

Maria Granel

The first on the list was also the first one to open. Initially as a bulk food store, that has been growing and evolving as years go by.

I still remember visiting their first location, just two weeks after opening its doors and leaving inspired and mesmerized by what I’ve just seen. For me, it felt like going back in time. When I accompanied my grandma to our local bulk store, to buy all sorts of things (even dog food).

Nowadays, Maria Granel is so much more than a bulk and eco-conscious store. It’s a daily source of inspiration and one of the most relevant advocates in town - when it comes to sustainable living. They have two physical stores: Alvalade and Campo de Ourique.

Besides all sorts of dried foods, you can buy liquid goodies (like Dr. Bronner’s products), and plenty of reusable items. Plus, if you’re looking for a sustainable living guide and you happen to speak Portuguese… you can’t miss “Desafio Zero” written by Maria Granel’s founder.

What do I like the most about Maria Granel? Well, I can’t tell you a single thing I don’t like. I love the space, it always makes me feel at home, and I love how kind the staff is. Plus, everything is so beautifully displayed and carefully curated that I just want to bring one of each. 

Mind The Trash

Even though Mind The Trash is an online store, you can place your order online and stop by their headquarters to take your package with you. Plus, if you live in Lisbon… you can have your parcel delivered by bike. How wonderful is that?!

It started as a sustainable living blog, that soon turned into an online store. It’s been a few years now since they’ve started selling their product line. If you’re not a recent reader of the blog or if you follow me on Instagram, you already know that some of my favorite sustainable living staples are from Mind The Trash: reusable cotton rounds, solid shampoo, reusable sanitary pads… Out of everything I’ve tried from their branded products (and I’ve tried quite a few from different categories), there isn’t a single thing I haven’t liked.

Besides their product line, they also have a nice product selection. From homeware to makeup. All perfectly curated.

What do I like the most about Mind The Trash? How they repurpose previously used cardboard boxes (and old paper) to assemble the orders. Also, their packages are always plastic-free. Besides all this, I love their customer service and how their team is always there for you to solve any queries or doubts.

Sapato Verde

My pit-stop every time I am wandering around Chiado. Sapato Verde is a lovely store, located just a few meters after Largo do Camões, and packed with all sorts of sustainable goodies.

From skincare and personal hygiene to shoes and home goods. Whatever you need, there’s a chance you’ll find it there.

Furthermore, at the end of the story, you’ll find an eco-conscious supermarket and a vegan café. The space is usually quiet and it’s perfect to get some rest, after being out and about, going up and down the hill.

There’s a great product selection and the prices are similar to the ones you’ll find at Maria Granel. Plus, they stock most of the Mind The Trash branded products. This is great if you want to check these by yourself or don’t feel like ordering online.

What do I like the most about Sapato Verde? It would have to be the product selection, followed by the store location (Chiado - Bairro Alto). Thanks to Sapato Verde I had the chance to discover brands like LeFrik or even stock up on some Ben & Anna goodies while visiting the town. 

Celeiro

Even though Celeiro isn’t a zero-waste or eco-conscious store at its core, the truth is they have been stocking a lot of sustainable products for the past couple of years.

For those who are unfamiliar, Celeiro is a health food store chain like Planet Organic. Where you can find all sorts of natural supplements, healthy products, organic produce, and sustainable items.

I’ve decided to include it on the list, as Celeiro stores are quite easy to find nationwide. Plus, they stock the basic staples that can help you get started on your eco-friendly path. 

What do I like the most about Celeiro? How easy it is to run into one of these stores while walking around Lisbon. My favourite locations are the one in Baixa (between Restauradores and Rossio) and Avenida da República (right in front of Campo Pequeno). I am also a fan of their hot meals and desserts (available at their café/restaurant area). 

Biomercado

Biomercado is an organic and bio supermarket, similar to Celeiro, but with a broader selection of organic produce and bulk ingredients.

This was my go-to supermarket when I was living in Lisbon. I would go there to stock on fresh organic food and produce, Medjool dates, nuts, quinoa, oats… all sold in bulk. Plus, if you’re looking for vegan ingredients

They have been stocking on sustainable and eco-conscious products for a few years now, and they offer a nice selection. Perfect whether you’re just getting started or you need to replace some of your everyday goodies.

What do I like the most about Biomercado? The quality of the products and their prices. Plus, this store taught me how to buy only what I needed, helping me reduce food waste. If you’re looking for a store where you can combine organic fresh produce, bulk ingredients, healthy and eco-friendly products… look no further! This is the place.

Is it possible to find eco-conscious products at supermarket chains?

Yes! Big supermarket chains like Continente, Auchan, and Pingo Doce (the ones I usually go to) all have zero waste and sustainable items on their shelves.

Even though these are still a minority, in comparison to the standard and not-so-eco-conscious products, it’s a start. And you can find a bit of everything: bamboo toothbrushes, solid shampoos, solid face cleansers, reusable cotton pads, menstrual cups, and so on.

The good news: you can take your airtight containers and reusable produce bags while shopping for meats, fish, cheese, produce, fruits, or bulk items at these stores - as an attempt to reduce waste.

Out of these three, Auchan would be my favorite to buy bulk ingredients and healthy foods, Pingo Doce for fresh fruit and produce, and Continente for eco-conscious beauty supplies.