Paris 16th Plastic-Free Resources

I've spent months looking for package-free resources all over the west-side of Paris since I started our family's plastic diet. It's taken some time to locate the groceries my family is used to in package-free form. Here's my list ...  

Looking for package-free groceries: 

Day by Day: There are two locations of these all-bulk shops in Paris, this one is the closest to the 16th and easy to get to via the 6 (Map). They have bulk groceries, oils and cleaners. I find myself here once a month to stock up on coffee, pasta and soaps, which I find challenging to track down closer to home. 

Bio c' Bon: I can't speak for all of them, but the location in Passy has a nice bulk section with nuts, chocolate/candies, dried fruit and grains, such as granola and couscous. You can use their paper bags or bring in your own sacks. You weigh your own items and place the sticker on each bag before getting to the checkout. They are missing bulk pasta and coffee. 

Franprix Noe on Rue de la Pompe: There's a refill stations with dish and laundry soap. They also have a refillable wine station and alcohol (vodka and gin). This is the only Monoprix I've found with these stations, but others must be out there.  (Map) 

Naturalia: It's a small but nice bulk section. I like the "1/2 complete" rice and gummy bears. Their dried mango is a tad more expensive than Bio c' Bon. 

Le Parfait glass jars: With a conversion to bulk shopping, I needed a place to store food once I got it back from the store. I choose these Le Parfait jars that I found on Amazon. (Amazon) 

I'd also recommend: Brita Filter pitcher (Amazon) to refill reusable water bottles. And reusable produce bags (Amazon) to use at fruit markets and bulk food. And, while you're at it, I love these glass straws (Amazon) for smoothies at home. 

Bathroom Supplies: 

This can be tricky. Take a look at what you use, and what's ready to be replaced. (There's no point tossing packaged/processed things. Wait until it needs to be replaced before you find your sustainable swap.) Find companies that will take back your empty packaging, or doesn't require packaging at all. 

Lush: For products for a package-free bathroom, you can't beat Lush. Their shampoo and conditioner are in bar form and sold to you in a small paper bag. They run about 10€ a bar, but they'll last a lot more than a month. They will also take back the pots they sell lotion in for recycling and reuse. (Site)

The Bam & Boo: After doing some price comparisons, I found this toothbrush subscription service that charges about $4 a brush, ships to France for free and will send you new brushes every three months. (As a comparison, Day by Day charges $6 for a bamboo brush.*) They're made from sustainably-sourced bamboo and will decompose (or compost) quickly. Whereas your plastic toothbrush will live on in a landfill for 400-1000 years. 

Kiehl's: I prefer their face lotion and they have a recycling program. Bring in your used jars and they'll not only recycle them, they'll give you points toward free products. (Site) 

Thinx: There is a lot that can be done to cut down on waste during your cycle. The "cup," reusable pads, etc. are all out there. (And could save you $1,000s each year on supplies.) I just started research down this path by purchasing these (amazing) undies that are completely leak-proof and washable. I got them at a discount and the international shipping wasn't too expensive. And so far, I'm very impressed. (Site) 

Still seeking sustainable razors, as I'm not ready to invest in a metal one.  

* I've found most items are the same or less expensive than packaged goods, but not everything. However, just like we've seen with organic foods, the price will come down the more people buy the more sustainable item.