Opening in Austin this fall, In.gredients will be the first grocery store to be packaging-free as well as zero-waste. Co-founder Christian Lane says that “what’s normal in the grocery business isn’t healthy for consumers or the environment” — all that over-packaged, processed food isn’t doing the store or consumers any good. When shopping at In.gredients, shoppers will bring their own containers (weighed and labeled in-store for future trips), or pick up some compostable ones on site.

Founded by The Brothers Lane, LLC, composed of actual brothers and a ‘brother in spirit,’ In.gredients will sell everything your regular grocery store sells — except junk food. The founders have specifically chosen to leave out this aisle, as well as any other over-processed foods sold elsewhere; they don’t want to sell their customers unhealthy food. Other than that, the store will sell everything from produce to cereals and grains as well as beer, wine and household cleaners. All the produce and other products will be organic and locally sourced when possible, meaning less shipping but also not paying for said shipping.

When food is pre-packed, some families may require more than one container, but not necessarily two — this creates waste, guilt and a good dose of overeating. In.gredients will encourage portion control, giving shoppers the chance to get exactly the amount they need.

In.gredients is currently raising funds, and provided all goes as planned it will open around October. Austin has already given rise to Whole Foods — I just hope In.gredients will spread up north too.

But there are some that say packaging serves a purpose. It keeps food fresh longer, and makes taking inventory easier. That may be a valid point, but bulk stores already exist; it may be the case that their grains can be considered less fresh than other suppliers, but is slower turnover contributing to the problem? In.gredients has gotten tons of press and ‘likes’ since their press release went out, so turnover may not be an issue for this start-up. As for inventory, only time will tell.

Either way, In.gredients will serve as more than just a place to go shopping — the building will function as a community center as well, hosting cooking classes and gardening workshops.

Refilling your own containers is a great idea, and I know there are people tucked away all over the country who would prefer to bring in their own jug to fill with oil, shampoo or what have you. Giving people options is the key to getting everybody to do just a little bit more than they do now, and that is how we change the world. Throwing away less packaging and eating local, seasonal produce will positively contribute to many environmental concerns — having a cool store in your neighborhood which allows you to do this is key to developing green habits and thought — the Lane Brothers want the whole experience to be a learning one, as well as springboard new ideas for future locations.

All images: Sudhamshu/Flickr, In.gredients via ABC News

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