Allergen Statement
If you, or anyone in your household/close circle suffer from a life threatening allergy, we politely request you do not shop in a zero waste / package free / bulk shop.
The essence of our shop is unpackaged food and we stock most allergens.
Whilst we make every effort to ensure no cross contamination, it is impossible in such an environment. We wish this wasn't the case but unfortunately it's the reality.
The essence of our shop is unpackaged food and we stock most allergens.
Whilst we make every effort to ensure no cross contamination, it is impossible in such an environment. We wish this wasn't the case but unfortunately it's the reality.
Products and Pricing
We have a detailed list of our products and pricing available on our Product Range page.
What Should I Bring With Me?
The motto of most zero waste shops is: if we can weigh it, you can fill it!
Try using things you already own such as old food jars, Tupperware, takeaway containers, ziplock bags, old bread bags.....get creative! The best thing we have seen was a pillow case being filled with pasta.
Don't stress, you will not be turned away if you bring plastic containers, we encourage it if you already own them. After-all, they last forever!
We just ask that everything is clean and dry. Hetu will not be held responsible for any contamination when you use your own receptacle. Please also note, once the food is in your receptacle it can not be put back into the stores container so please ensure all your receptacles are weighed before you start shopping.
Try using things you already own such as old food jars, Tupperware, takeaway containers, ziplock bags, old bread bags.....get creative! The best thing we have seen was a pillow case being filled with pasta.
Don't stress, you will not be turned away if you bring plastic containers, we encourage it if you already own them. After-all, they last forever!
We just ask that everything is clean and dry. Hetu will not be held responsible for any contamination when you use your own receptacle. Please also note, once the food is in your receptacle it can not be put back into the stores container so please ensure all your receptacles are weighed before you start shopping.
Do You Sell Jars & Bags
We sell bags that can be used for most items in the store. Some are made from recycled material and others are made from organic cotton.
At present, we do not sell any new jars. We believe there are already so many in circulation that we want to empower the second hand market. Please check out Gumtree, Freecycle, Facebook Marketplace, charity shops, friends, family, neighbours, colleagues. You can find some real gems if you look around.
We also run a jar donation station where you can pick up free items that others have donated. Hetu will not be held responsible for any contamination if you choose to use our donated jars in store.
At present, we do not sell any new jars. We believe there are already so many in circulation that we want to empower the second hand market. Please check out Gumtree, Freecycle, Facebook Marketplace, charity shops, friends, family, neighbours, colleagues. You can find some real gems if you look around.
We also run a jar donation station where you can pick up free items that others have donated. Hetu will not be held responsible for any contamination if you choose to use our donated jars in store.
Gift Vouchers
We provide e-vouchers that require no printing. Please email hello@hetu.co.uk with the full name of the recipient and the amount you would like. You will then receive a PayPal invoice from us. On receipt of payment, you will receive a personalised e-voucher to your email address.
Our Glass Dispensers
These are produced in Germany by Glasbin. Please reach out to them directly for costs and any questions you have
Our Nut Grinder
This is also made in Germany by Heyqnut. Please reach out to them directly for costs and any questions you have
Opening A Store?
If you need advice on how to open a store, we highly recommend downloading the pdf produced by the lovely guys at Earth Love Food.
Unpackaged also offer consultancy and workshops
Join this Facebook group: Zero-Waste Shop Set-Up Support Group UK. It will be invaluable to you and offer much more advice than we can give at this stage.
If you are looking to open a shop, we politely ask that you do not turn up unannounced and ask for free business advice. When we first opened we were more than happy to give lot's of advice, and most of the zero waste shops in London and further afield will attest to that. Once you open you're own shop you will soon realise there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done.
What are the biggest pieces of advice we can we give?
Whilst this may sound a little negative (sorry), it's not meant to be. It's meant to prepare you for the realities of what is an extremely rewarding job.
Unpackaged also offer consultancy and workshops
Join this Facebook group: Zero-Waste Shop Set-Up Support Group UK. It will be invaluable to you and offer much more advice than we can give at this stage.
If you are looking to open a shop, we politely ask that you do not turn up unannounced and ask for free business advice. When we first opened we were more than happy to give lot's of advice, and most of the zero waste shops in London and further afield will attest to that. Once you open you're own shop you will soon realise there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done.
What are the biggest pieces of advice we can we give?
- Be prepared to not earn a salary or take a holiday for at least 12 months
- The reality of opening a zero waste store is you spend hours each day cleaning, restocking and lifting heavy items
- You will be asked for advice every day. Not just on the items you sell, but on the wider low impact/zero waste movement, so be prepared.
- Know your products, use them and advise appropriately
- It's advisable to personally live a low impact/zero waste life so you know how to apply the principles to the store
Whilst this may sound a little negative (sorry), it's not meant to be. It's meant to prepare you for the realities of what is an extremely rewarding job.
Press Images
If you are unable to find a suitable image within our Press Pack please send us an email
How did Hetu start?
Our founder Laura spent five years living in Australia. It was there she was first introduced to the concept of zero waste.
It was relatively easy to live zero waste in Aus as organic food, farmers markets and package free stores were common place in Sydney. However, after researching more about the global community, she was upset to see there wasn't (at the time) a zero waste shop in the UK and the community was crying out for one. Laura returned home to the UK in 2017 with the sole purpose to open a 'one stop shop' for the conscious customer. Offering plant based, organic whole foods and truly ethical and sustainable products. Hetu opened it's doors to the public on 3 December 2017 as a pop up and is now a permanent shop in the same location. Hetu was London's first vegan zero waste shop. |