MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Earth Day will mark three years since Minnesota's first zero-waste shop opened its doors. On that same day, Tare Market will be celebrating the opening of its second location.
"It's really a community effort," said Amber Haukedahl, CEO and founder of Tare Market.
Tare Market opened in south Minneapolis in April 2019.
Haukedahl has a background in environmental studies and conservation biology. Prior to opening the store, she had started to learn about the carbon footprint of our trash.
"I realized that I hadn't been living as sustainably as I thought I had because there is such a large carbon footprint associated with recycling in our trash system," Haukedahl said.
The U.S. makes up about 4% of the world's population, yet is responsible for 12% of its trash, according to a 2019 report.
Tare Market aims to help others live with less waste and make it easier to do so.
"This is kind of a pioneer. It's one of a few in the United States as well, so we're really paving the way," Haukedahl said.
Tare weight is the weight of an empty container. Tare Market encourages customers to bring their own containers from home to refill. They also have containers in the store donated by community members and ones available on a returnable deposit system.
The store has an extensive bulk section from food, to cleaning supplies, to beauty products.
"Our other products that come in packaging are all plastic-free. So they're either in recyclable packaging, or compostable packaging. So the idea is when you shop here you're not creating any new waste and you're not sending anything to the landfill," Haukedahl said.
Tare Market is now expanding. A second location in the Broadway Building in northeast Minneapolis will open on Earth Day. The new store will be larger than the original location.
For both locations, customers who bike to Tare Market can get discounts through the store thanks to a partnership with Bicycle Benefits. There is also a space for hard-to-recycle items like textile waste, electronic cords and snack wrappers.
Crowdfunding helped launch both shops. The community raised more than $13,500 on Indiegogo to help open the Northeast Minneapolis location.
"I'm definitely pro-sustainable, as low-waste as possible. It's not going to be perfect; I'm not perfect, by any means, but I feel better knowing that I'm putting my money to a good place," said customer Ness Oszast.
Haukedahl said it's all about meeting people where they're at. For example, swapping out a plastic toothbrush for one made out of bamboo.
"If we get everyone making one or two swaps, that will make a huge difference in the amount of trash they create and that will reduce the carbon footprint and really help fight climate change," Haukedahl said.
Tare Market in Northeast Minneapolis is located at 945 Broadway St. NE.
The shop opens on Earth Day, April 22. There will be a grand opening party from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tare Market also offers curbside pickup, local delivery and shopping online.
Know a local business we should feature for our Behind the Business segment? Email Heidi Wigdahl at hwigdahl@kare11.com.
