Finally, a zero-waste alternative to Amazon: The Rounds

This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.

Finding sustainable ways to get your everyday essentials is often difficult. From hand soap and toilet paper to cereal and pretzels, everything seems to be wrapped in plastic and delivered in boxes. The Rounds, a zero-waste refill and delivery service operating in DC and now Virginia, is on a mission to create the most convenient solution to this problem. This green startup is building the future of sustainable city living by delivering your essentials, like household, personal care, and pantry products with no packaging waste.

Designed as a local, sustainable alternative to Amazon, The Rounds is a new take on the old “milkman” model.

"We drop off everything in reusable containers, we pick up your empties to put those back into the system with zero waste and in a much more sustainable way," says Co-Founder and CEO Alex Torrey. “We’re like your psychic home manager for the boring stuff on your shopping list.”

In addition to their product selection of essentials, they also partner with local favorites like Compass Coffee and Seylou Bakery. The Rounds sources sustainable products in bulk to a central location in the neighborhood (called “Neighborhood Refillment Centers”) and delivers on their fleet of e-bikes. With scheduled refill days, this closed-loop model is extremely efficient. The consumer no longer has to choose between sustainability, convenience, and value. Because of the economies of scale gained from neighborhood bulk buying, The Rounds can offer better prices than city retailers.

Since launching in D.C. in August, The Rounds has seen explosive growth in neighborhoods across the District. Coupled with this growth, neighborhoods can also see a real reduction in trash. It’s estimated that members of The Rounds save 50 pounds of trash on average from their homes every year.

“We’re super excited by the response we’re seeing in D.C.,” Torrey says. “Sustainable convenience really matters for people here. Our mission is to make everyday sustainable choices effortless, and at this rate things are looking really good.”

Test out a new way to get your essentials and get $20 off with code PATCH.

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