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.
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.
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.
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.
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
