This month is Plastic Free July and Ann Arbor is a city striving for sustainability. Many local businesses exemplify this through practices and values. Here are 7 local companies to help you go plastic-free this month and year-round.
BYOC Co.
This new Ann Arbor spot’s name stands for “Bring Your Own Container,” and aims to reduce plastic consumption, encouraging people to be more eco-friendly. Customers can choose a container and fill it up with products such as dish soap, laundry detergent, and more. BYOC Co. is always open for donations of containers and paper bags.
255 E Liberty St # 215, Ann Arbor. 734-492-3933.
Argus Farm Stop
As an everyday farmers market with three locations, Argus works hard to make it easier to purchase local goods and produce. Their Liberty St. location offers a full selection from community farmers and their Packard location offers a coffee shop and workspace, along with a market.
Their mission is to foster the growth of the local agricultural community by establishing a year-round marketplace where nearby farms can directly sell their produce and other products to consumers. This initiative not only strengthens our local producers, businesses, and farmers but also contributes to the reduction of Ann Arbor’s carbon footprint.
325 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor. 734-213-2200.
People’s Food Co-op
This community-owned grocery store diverts around 500,000 pounds of cardboard every year, according to its website. People’s Food Co-op also supports local farms and focuses on providing organic and sustainable products.
216 N. Fourth Ave, Ann Arbor. 734-994-9174.
Roos Roast Coffee
Ann Arbor coffee shop Roos Roast promotes sustainability through compostable and reusable cafe items, eco-roasting and running on solar power since the summer of 2020. Their Loring roaster uses 80% less energy than other coffee roasters.
1155 Rosewood St, Ann Arbor. 734-222-9202.
117 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor. 734-369-2494.
Detroit Street Filling Station
The Detroit Street Filling Station is driven by a mission to craft top-notch, nourishing vegan dishes while showcasing the diverse and flexible nature of plant-based whole foods. The restaurant strives to incorporate local and organic produce whenever available and places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability.
300 Detroit St, Ann Arbor. 734-224-8262.
Ann Arbor Distilling Co.
At this distillery, customers can order cocktails infused with spirits distilled directly in Ann Arbor, using locally grown and milled grains from Dexter, which is just a short drive away. Most drinks are served in reusable glasses, and disposable products used are compostable.
Ann Arbor Distilling Co. facilitates eco-friendliness by working with A2Zero’s environmental initiative, as proceeds made by the Eezy Treezy cocktail contribute directly to the planting of trees in low-income neighborhoods.
220 Felch St, Ann Arbor. 734-882-2169.
Joob Activewear
Joob, an activewear brand based in Ann Arbor, is committed to offering sustainable clothing and advancing fair trade practices. By investing 1% of their revenues in local environmental initiatives through the Huron River Watershed Council and dedicating another portion to carbon-reducing projects, Joob strives tirelessly to achieve climate neutrality and zero waste.
5007 W. Jackson Suite A, Ann Arbor. 734-277-2510.
