Morristown Market Continues Push For Zero Waste Amid Earth Week

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Like many aspects of life in a pandemic, Zero to 180 Market faced an uncertain future. But what began as a pop-up, environmentally friendly grocery store in Morristown has pushed on, having prevented an estimated 75,000 packaging or single-use wastes since the shop's inception.

Zero to 180 Market has continued its push to spread waste-free lifestyles with Earth Day festivities all week. Initiatives include sales, free ice cream and environmental projects.

The market at 6 Dehart St. opened in December as a "pop-up" shop. That's because the building they occupy was slated for one of Morristown's many redevelopment projects.

But town officials nixed redevelopment that would have involved the building Zero to 180 Market occupies. So that gives the business more flexibility on location. Sabrina, who owns the market, would ideally like to find a location with more space though.

When Patch visited in early December, the store had about 80 products. Now they sport about 300, according to Sabrina. Related article: New 'Zero-Waste' Grocery Store Pops Up In Morristown

Some of those new products include eggs from Hazelman Farms in West Milford, cheeses, cold brew on tap and wellness products.

"It’s evolved into a lifestyle store," Sabrina said. "A lot of these stores that are available, which are few and far between, you can either get your wellness and home products or you get your grocery products. I wanted to bring the two together and then try to eliminate legwork when it comes to becoming zero-waste."

The pandemic partially inspired Sabrina's original vision for the market. New Jersey's coronavirus lockdown pushed many restaurants to put a greater emphasis on takeout and delivery. And while those services helped many small businesses endure the pandemic, they often require use of containers that people throw out after one use.

Zero to 180 Market allows customers to bring their own containers or purchase one. Using funnels, they fill their containers with the desired amount of each product. The store is designed to minimize waste from usual grocery packaging.

This week, they've stepped up the initiative. The store will collect takeout containers through Sunday and ship them to Terracycle, whoe will break them down to create building materials. That way, even the takeout containers are put to good use when people help Morristown's small businesses.

Zero to 180 Market will also hold sales and giveaways Saturday. Giveaways include free ice cream from 1-2 p.m. But bring your own spoon. See the Facebook event here.

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