Out & About in Toronto: Unboxed

A big welcome to Toronto’s only zero waste grocery store. This could not come soon enough. This week the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported a surge in CO2 in 2018. This is having a significant impact on temperatures, with 2018 the fourth warmest year on record, almost 1˚C above what they were in the period between 1850-1900.  As well, did you know that Ontarians create enough food waste to fill the Rogers Centre five times annually?
Here’s how it works:
Bring clean containers from home (or pay a deposit for theirs). Weigh your empty containers and write the weight on the jar.
Fill your containers with as much (or as little!) of each product that you like and buy only what you need.
Pay for your products (they deduct the value of your container from the total).
I thought it was really great. They have a cafe and bakery, fresh produce, dry goods, a butcher’s counter, pre-prepared foods, cleaning supplies and personal care. I loved that you only had to take a few sprigs of herbs instead of a big plastic box. The beauty products are palm-oil free. I loved the vegan pre-made meal options. And I found beautiful vegan cheeses. Now that I’ve been I know more about the types of containers to bring for next time.
My only complaint is that it is far from my house. Let me know if you’d like to carpool with me. The next climate change solution on my to-do list is a Tesla.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9AM-8PM, Sunday 10AM-6PM, Closed Monday
Address: 1263 Dundas Street West
Phone: 416-533-9017
Email: Info@unboxedmarket.com