Zero Waste Store In Vienna Takes To Heart Earth Day 'Planet vs. Plastics' Theme

VIENNA, VA — As Earth Day approaches, the 2024 theme is Planet vs. Plastics, putting a spotlight on the impact of plastic waste on the planet and strategies to reduce it. For Trace the Zero Waste store on Vienna's Church Street, that's an everyday mindset.

Opened in fall 2021 at 140 Church Street NW, the zero-waste store seeks to promote environmentally-friendly lifestyles by using alternatives to plastic or single-use packaging. Customers will come with their own containers to fill up items like dry foods, spices and soaps and can buy reusable items like paper towels, straws and cutlery.

"It's a different kind of business because it's a behavior change, and a behavior change is [hard]," owner Mala Persaud told Patch. "Bringing your own container isn't something you're conditioned to do."

Persaud, a Vienna resident for nearly 20 years, founded the store after running pop-up stands for several years and hearing feedback that a zero-waste store should be open in this area. This is the only shop of its in Fairfax County, which Persaud says draws customers in from other areas.

"A lot of our customers are coming from Reston or Herndon, so it's made Vienna a kind of destination. It shows there is momentum," said Persaud.

That momentum is for reducing the single-use waste people produce, especially plastic waste. Along with providing products without plastic packaging, Trace the Zero Waste store regularly holds collection evens for different kinds of waste. For instance, the business just collected undamaged solar eclipse glasses to be reused for future solar eclipses in other countries. Other recent collections have included toothbrush and toothpaste containers, upcycled clothing with Dusk Doorstep and Halloween candy wrappers.

For Earth Day, Trace the Zero Waste Store is hosting a plant swap on Saturday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and monthly knife, scissors and tool sharpening for a fee with with Roaming Stone from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Persaud is also part of the Town of Vienna's Green Expo on Thursday, April 18 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. She will be one of the "ask me anything" local experts to share information on recycling.

Persaud has a group of regular customers who are determined to make habit changes for their families. She says it may not be possible for residents to eliminate all their trash, but they can make a big impact by not throwing out things that are avoidable.

"The problem is that there's just much trash. Trash cans are overflowing, and one big wind just sends trash [flying]," said Persaud.

Along with shopping, Persaud says waste-reducing habits can be applied at other businesses. While she praised businesses like Hawk & Griffin and Social Burger for environmentally-friendly items, she said customers can change

"I can bring my own coffee cup. I can bring my own bag. I can bring my own fork and spoon," said Persaud. "People need to ask their businesses for better options. It's really hard for businesses but we all share this planet, and the choices we make now are going to impact everybody down the road."

For more information on the business, visit www.tracezerowaste.com.

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