Good Buy Supply is Philly’s First Zero Waste Storefront

Two locals opened the shop on East Passyunk over the weekend

As Lower Moyanmensing residents Emily Rodia and Jason Rusnock adopted a low waste lifestyle, they noticed how little trash they put on the curb. However, they were hopping around various stores in order to complete their zero-waste checklist, instead of a one-stop-shop like they had seen during travels abroad.

Rodia thought, “why doesn’t someone open a store like this here? It would do really great.”

Then, there was a lightbulb moment. “And we were like, we can be those people,” said Rodia. Rodia and Rusnock hosted Good Buy Supply’s grand opening on East Passyunk quietly over the holiday weekend, welcoming an estimated 300 guests into its doors.

Good Buy Supply: A one-stop-shop for zero waste/low waste on East Passyunk Ave

“We’re really trying to help get people down to low waste.”

– Emily Rodia, Good Buy Supply

Good Buy Supply offers the essentials and odds-and-ends to a low waste lifestyle. You can bring your own jars for the bulk refill stations for soaps, laundry detergent, and more. (Due to COVID-19, employees are currently handling weighing and filling the jars.) The shop also offers housewares, home goods, and alternatives to single-use plastic items like reusable coffee mugs, coffee filters, utensil sets, and toothpaste tabs.

The store prefers a “low waste” terminology instead of the popular “zero waste” vernacular. As Rodia explains, “Zero waste is sometimes unattainable and unapproachable for people because they think they need to be perfect with everything they do. There’s always going to be waste in some sort of stream. We’re really trying to help get people down to low waste.”

Rodia also prioritizes sourcing from small, women-owned companies for her products. Previously, she was the general manager of Art in the Age, where she collaborated with sustainable and women-owned businesses, like Remark Glass (now a Good Buy Supply retailer). Other local suppliers include Vellum Soap and the Kitchen Garden Series.

There’s an educational component of Good Buy Supply, as well. “A lot of people that stopped in really don’t know much about being low waste or hadn’t heard of the products we sell,” said Rodia.

Those who want to limit time in stores can shop on the website and pickup curbside. They’re also hoping to offer local delivery in the future.

Visit: Good Buy Supply, 1737 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia.

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