5 tips for Eco-friendly shopping in Munich

Package-free shops: Plastic bag wrapping? - No, thanks

In a big city like Munich, plastic bag problem is part of everyday life. Avoiding plastic packaging is a first step towards life without such problems, and package-free shops in Munich help make it easy. Anyone who wants to buy flour, nuts or certain food products will find such in the "Ohne" shop in Schellingstraße. There's also another at Haidhausen district in "Plastikfrei Laden - der Natur Supplier" (formerly known as "Plastikfrei Zone" or "plastic-free zone"). Both shops offer native organic goods that do not need environmentally harmful packaging. The "Ohne" ("Without" in english) also offers delicious coffee and small desserts. In the "plastic-free shop",  but also kitchen products and items for your children's room, bathroom or office.

Fair Fashion: Great items for you wardrobe

Fair fashion is definitely not as outdated as its reputation. Not all accessories are made of felt - they range from vegan leather to cork. "Dear Goods", for instance, sells clothing from companies with the Fair Fashion seal - timeless, stylish and of high quality. The products are eco-friendly, vegan and fair. There are four "Dear Goods" shops in Munich. You will also find great clothes and accessories in the "Phased" concept store. You can even take a coffee break there, while or after your shopping spree.

Second-hand shops: Let's go on a treasure hunt

The production of new peice of clothing consumes large amount of water. For instance, 8,000 liters of water is wasted when making a  single pair of jeans.That's why s hopping for second-hand fashion is much more eco-friendly than so-called fast fashion. At "Second Hand Spitzbarth" in Schellingstrasse, you will find ladies' clothes from basic sweaters to designer handbags. At "Macy Second Hand" in Haidhausen, classic pieces in good condition are waiting for new owners - whether it is ladies' or men's wears. Both shops also accept items on commission.

Although not a second-hand shop, "Hall 2" departmental store (ad) is a flea market paradise. Here, the Munich Waste Management Company auctions individual items from its recycling yards. Their motto is: "Pass on, not throw away". More well-preserved goods can be found at the Munich flea markets - check our flea market guide .

Weltladen (World Shop): Fair trade products from everywhere

The "World Shops" were already there when eco wasn't yet cool. In Munich the "Weltladen" (ad) is located right in the heart of Haidhausen district and offers a colorful array of products, from jewelery to fair-trade coffee. The Weltladen umbrella organization is committed to promoting producers with fair prices. Whether it's chocolate from Nicaragua or crockery made of bamboo fibers - quality is guaranteed here. It is also an ideal place to get little special gifts that will amaze your friends.

Weekly markets with organic and Native products

Every week, about 40 "weekly markets" are held in the city of Munich. More than 120 traders sell goods from surrounding areas. From fruits and vegetables to cheese or meat - the farmers display their local, fresh and seasonal specialties. If you have trouble finding a market in your area, here is a guide.