The Zero Waste Pantry: From Daylesford’s Pantry to Yours
Daylesford Organic is a farm brand incorporating creativity and innovation into its longstanding nature-nurturing ethos and practices. You might have noticed that sustainably-focused brands have recently flooded the market, but not many businesses can say it has had the honest intention of protecting our planet through its practices since the 1970s.
Daylesford has been dedicated to chemical-free farming since its beginning in Staffordshire, England. A brand focused on farming and cooking in a manner that protects nature, it believes organic farming works in harmony with nature. Daylesford replenishes the land while providing nutritious food—freshly produced and cooked food that is sold and served at its cafes and farm shops across London.
The Trough Cafe where Daylesford serves fresh produce
Demonstrating a profound respect for farming, Daylesford has had a zero-edible-food-waste policy for several years. In contrast to most businesses where edible food is destined for the trash, Dayelsford has a strict process for how the food can be repurposed, often sending it through food distribution charities. This policy is visibly embedded in its recently opened Zero Waste Pantry.
Dispensaries at the Zero Waste Pantry
The Zero Waste Pantry is a new concept that Daylesford introduced to their flagship farm shop in the Cotswolds. This pantry aligns with the brand’s commitment to sustainable and conscientious shopping by reducing food and packaging waste.
Customers bring their own containers to fill up on cupboard staples like nuts, grains, and rice from dispensaries. This unique and fun experience especially appeals to eco-friendly consumers—even individuals from the U.S. make their way to London to visit the Zero Waste Pantry along with the farm’s other shops.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Daylesford’s Head of Sustainability Will Dennis regarding the brand’s ethos and the goals he and his colleagues aspire to reach through their practices. Will has been working at Daylesford for nearly 7 years. He explained that even in wholesale and retail, the brand’s intentions are deeply rooted in clean, organic farming and staying true to what they have always done: protecting the land.
Will explains that part of the brand’s goal is not just to do the right thing themselves, but also to discourage people from doing the opposite. He hopes that supporters of Daylesford will feel inspired to do the same.
Unfortunately, The Zero Waste Pantry hasn’t generated much uptake from the city’s population, since it's more difficult for customers to travel with personal containers while walking or taking public transport. Though the concept of bringing and refilling your own containers may not seem the most convenient, it takes dedication and open-mindedness to incorporate sustainable practices like these into your daily routine. By supporting brands like Daylesford and shopping more consciously, you can inspire others to do the same.
Daylesford’s flagship store in The Cotswolds
