Featured Business: Greenthinker Zero Waste Store

by Eleanor Wester

Rini Saha, Founder of Greenthinker Zero Waste Store

On a sunny October day, I walked around Takoma Park with a grocery bag full of jars on my way to GreenThinker Zero Waste Store. I turned onto Carroll Ave, walked up a flight of stairs, and arrived to a very colorful store. Afternoon light flooded through the windows, and the shelves were filled with interesting items. It was the first time I had ever been to a zero waste store, and I was curious to learn more. Making Zero Waste Accessible

Zero waste is essentially what it sounds like, generating no waste. You may have seen social media posts with bamboo toothbrushes and shampoo bars. These products were born out of the zero waste movement. Zero waste can be a complex topic because it involves looking at systems of production, consumption and disposal. It requires taking a hard look at what you consume from the perspective of reducing waste. Fortunately, Rini Saha, Founder of Greenthinker Zero Waste Store, has taken this complex topic, and created a business to make zero waste living tangible, and accessible for everyone.

Zero Waste Products & Refill Options I was so excited to walk around the store, and check out different products, everything from deodorant in compostable cylinders, bamboo hairbrushes, and so much more. I was impressed by the incredible variety of products that are intentionally designed to produce little or no waste. My favorite offering were products with refill options, which was previously offered by Fulfillery, a company Rini started in the same space. She decided to change the business name to Greenthinker to be more inclusive, and represents sustainability as a whole. Rini's Story Rini's passion for sustainability began while she was in her thirties raising her children. She explained how she started using cloth diapers with her second child. She said it was challenging, inconvenient, and had a significant learning curve, but she persevered. She explained that most people focus on convenience, rather than saving money or the environment.

Zero Waste Challenges

Rini explained that one of the biggest zero waste challenges is lack of education around sustainability issues. Rini's definition of sustainability includes evaluation of all systems around us. Another challenge is consumer confusion because it's difficult for them to know what's truly green. Also there are psychological factors. For example, people want the warm feeling of doing good, but sustainability often feels abstract. Zero waste options can also be more expensive, and less convenient.

Taking Zero Waste to the Next Level Despite these challenges, Rini is hopeful about taking zero waste to the next level. One of her goals is to create sustainability curriculum for schools, and create community initiatives like creating a party supply library. Make the Switch to Zero Waste I was so inspired to talk to Rini, and learn about her zero waste journey! I encourage you to stop by the GreenThinker Zero Waste Store to see which items you can switch out in your home to a more sustainable zero waste option. The store is located at 7006 Carroll Avenue

Second Floor, Takoma Park, Maryland. Check out hours the store is open on the website. Share Your Zero Waste Story I would love to hear about your zero waste story. What products have you switched to and why? What tips do you have for going zero waste?