The best sustainable and eco-friendly shops in Hong Kong

If you’re prone to allergies and hoping to fill your home with green and eco-friendly products, Bamboa Home is your one-stop shop for all your needs. This PMQ (and online) store carries products made from locally harvested bamboo – yep, the same stuff we use for scaffolding – in the form of kitchenware, towels, and beddings. The bamboo is guaranteed to be pesticide-free and biodegradable, promising no extra harm to the environment, while the bamboo bedding is hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin. Not limited to lifestyle products, Bamboa Home also offers funky bamboo-made accessories like handbags, bath products, and even sunglasses.

Another easy way to limit waste in your life is by swapping everyday objects like toothbrushes and deodorants with plastic-free options. Locally based eco-friendly and organic brand Coconut Matter a huge range of products that boast all the keywords: cruelty-free, vegan, toxin-free, biodegradable packaging. Promising to keep your skin dry and fresh, you can take your pick among everything from deodorant sticks and plastic-free lipsticks to body butter, soaps, and tons and tons of coconut oil. coconutmatter.com

John Masters Organics makes it easy to look beautiful while being kind to Mother Earth. A proud producer of organic and toxin-free products, this luxury organic beauty brand offers everything from haircare to skincare. The ingredients arent’t the only things that are green – the packaging is too. That’s not all – between now and the end of December, if you spend $5 on a tote bag, your donation will go towards Redress HK, a local NGO promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. And if you bring back empty bottles and jars, you'll also get freebies in return.

This New York apothecary is probably best known for its premium hair and body care products, which cater to every skin type and various needs. Many of Kiehl’s products consist of herbal and natural ingredients, but the brand is also known for its huge recycling efforts, which takes any empty bottles and jars (you’re allowed to bring one non-Kiehl’s bottle) off of you, and in return, reward you with actually useful freebies – toners, face washes and tote bags. Here in Hong Kong, the returned bottles will be donated to the Tai Po Environmental Association to be recycled. 

Lush is more than just ridiculously shaped and colourful bath bombs. It's actually one of the best ethical beauty brands in the world, serious about fighting against animal testing and sharing with the world its vegetarian, vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics. Be sure to keep all your black pots (made from recycled plastics) from your purchases. For every five containers you bring back to the store, you’ll be rewarded with one of Lush’s signature fresh face masks. Alternatively, if you’re in need of a pampering, opt for the Lush Spa in Central.

Who doesn’t love a flash sale? On The List invites its members to items from past seasons from luxury brands at exclusive prices for a limited number of days. The outfits are usually so new they feel like they’re straight off the runway. How are flash sales sustainable? Well, fashion retailers need to manage their inventories, so instead of throwing unsold clothes straight into the bins, fashionistas can take home fantastic clothes at much lower prices. It's a win-win situation. 

With a floor-to-ceiling window storefront and an impressive 3,000 sqft of space, Slowood sources from more than 100 international and local brands to provide a wide range of environmentally-friendly crockery and homeware,  as well as offering grocery staples in bulk. There’s also a refill station where you can bring in clean bottles to stock up on things like rice, salt, and spices at cheaper prices. A small vegetarian kitchen can be found in store featuring a mushroom-themed menu and furnishings.

Here to make all your favourite Pinterest ideas come to life, this relatively hidden upstairs shop houses a colourful collection of home décor products, eco-friendly furniture and rugs – all with gorgeous patterns, of course. Come and pick up reusable water bottles with awesome designs, Turkish towels and T&Bs most popular item: water-based, toxic-free chalk paint in a whole spectrum of colours.

Womb is another brilliant local brand that promotes and provides sustainable designs. The online business works mainly with small and medium-sized studios from Europe and Hong Kong that care about fair pay as well as responsibly sourced materials and textiles. You can find everything from chic apparel and accessories to home décor items. Its beautifully designed yoga mats are a hit with customers too. wombhk.com.