IJEP 42(12): 1437-1444 : Vol. 42 Issue. 12 (December 2022)
Aswathi C. Ajayan and Rittu Susan Varkey*
CHRIST, (Deemed to be University), Department of Economics, Bangalore – 560 029, Karnataka, India
Abstract
Package-free stores or zero waste stores are emerging as an innovative sustainable concept these days. This paper attempts to analyze the modus operandi of package free stores in India, their main features and the challenges that they face. Data was collected from five package-free shops in India among which one store has multiple branches across the nation. As of today, these stores cover almost the entire population. The findings suggest that these stores promote sustainable consumption among the people and also meet three important sustainable development goals (SDGs). They uplift the local economy and contribute to the economic prosperity of local residents and businesses by supporting local and regional farmers. It provides toxic-free products contributing to a healthy society by renouncing plastic completely. It protects the environment thereby increasing the growth of the local economy. Since the movement towards sustainable economic practices is inadequate, proactive steps should be taken to adopt innovative practices.
Keywords
zero-waste, package-free shops, Sustainable development
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