Living more sustainably can start with the places you shop and dine. These Ann Arbor businesses are helping reduce waste, support local agriculture and make environmentally friendly choices more accessible for the community.
City of Ann Arbor
Let A2ZERO inspire and support your next sustainability action!
Turning off lights when you leave the room. Turning off the water while you brush your teeth. Joining neighbors to group-buy solar energy systems. Planting trees or native plants. Coordinating with co-workers for alternative commuting options. Replacing a broken water heater with a heat pump water heater. Participating in a neighborhood block party. You don’t need earth-shattering lifestyle changes to make an Earth-sustaining impact. The City of Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustainability and Innovations and its A2ZERO program are here to provide you support, resources and opportunities to make it easy — and right-sized to your way and stage of life.
Adopted June 1, 2020, A2ZERO is the City of Ann Arbor’s plan for achieving a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030. From renewable energy to sustainable food systems, natural system investments, appliance electrification, sustainable transportation solutions and resilience work, the City of Ann Arbor is implementing over 70 unique strategies that help reduce the city’s carbon footprint while improving health, safety, affordability and quality of life for all Ann Arborites.
If you haven’t engaged yet, now is the time! Reach out to learn more and get involved at www.a2zero.org. Through the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations, the creators and caretakers of A2ZERO, the city offers a slew of free services from thousands of dollars in home energy rebates, funding to support your transition to sustainable yard-care practices, a free home energy advisor, support with embracing more sustainable food practices, native planting programs, free tree giveaways, electronics takeback events and so much more. Discover all the details and get started, or re-started, today at www.a2zero.org, and follow on our socials:
Zingerman’s Deli
Recently, Zingerman’s Delicatessen has replaced all of the standard trash cans with three-compartment bins for recycling, composting, and trash. Through these bins, the deli is expected to increase compost diversion by 50% annually. This effort works towards the local goals of moving towards zero waste. Other sustainability efforts from the deli include “eliminating single-use plastic water bottles in favor of local water cartons, establishing robust back-of-house compost collection practices, and pioneering a returnable takeout container program,” according to a press release.
422 Detroit St., Ann Arbor. 734-663-3354.
People’s Food Co-op
For over 50 years, People’s Food Co-op has been a hub for Ann Arbor residents seeking organic and locally grown foods. The member-owned grocery emphasizes community values and environmental responsibility, with a bulk section that reduces packaging waste and a focus on regional farms. According to the website, People’s Food Co-op diverts approximately 500,000 pounds of cardboard from the landfill a year and has donated 7,594 pounds of food.
216 N. Fourth Avenue Ann Arbor. 734-994-9174.
Argus Farm Stop
Argus Farm Stop, an intersection between a farmers market and a grocery store, sells locally grown produce, dairy, baked goods and prepared foods. Their mission is “to grow our local agricultural economy,” according to their website. Operating on a consignment model, the store works directly with farmers. Beyond groceries, Argus serves as a gathering spot with a café and educational programs that highlight the value of seasonal, sustainable agriculture.
Various locations.
RELATED: Fresh, Local, and Delicious: Ann Arbor’s Farm-to-Table Scene
BYOC Co. (Bring Your Own Container)
BYOC Co. is a zero-waste refill shop in Ann Arbor. Customers bring containers to fill with household cleaners, soaps, shampoos and pantry staples, helping reduce single-use packaging and plastic waste. By rethinking everyday shopping habits, BYOC encourages customers to actively participate in waste reduction while still accessing high-quality products.
25 Jackson Industrial Drive, Suite 500 Ann Arbor. 734-273-9246.
Detroit Street Filling Station
A historic 1920s filling station has been transformed into one of Ann Arbor’s most celebrated vegan restaurants. Detroit Street Filling Station highlights plant-based dining as a pathway to environmental sustainability, serving dishes crafted from fresh and local ingredients. The restaurant emphasizes waste reduction through composting, recycling and reusable takeout systems.
300 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor. 734-224-8262
Vertex Coffee Roasters
Vertex Coffee Roasters integrates sustainability into many of its operations. Retail coffee bags are backyard compostable, while all to-go cups, lids and straws are compostable in a facility. The café composts coffee grounds and food waste, recycles what cannot be composted, and serves as a community drop-off point for soft plastics. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers to purchase beans by the ounce, helping reduce single-use packaging
1335 S. University Ave Ann Arbor. 734-780-7060.
