Innovation

As the Tare Shop allows people to bring their own containers, this means that any amount of product can be purchased. An amount as small as a teaspoon, to multiple cups of a product can be purchased, depending on the customer's needs. This allows the consumer to decide how much they really need, which in turn radically reduces food waste on the consumer side. With this method of shopping that reduces food waste and eliminates all packaging, the business directly targets responsible consumption and production, and climate action Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). If a customer wishes to get rid of older containers, or ones that they do not need, they are able to donate them to the shop, and the Tare Shop can then sell them for 50 cents to another consumer. This allows people who have either forgotten their containers or are in need of new ones, to purchase ones that are not brand new. The store sells everything from frozen foods, spices, grains, bathroom products, to many other miscellaneous household items. After learning about her business, it is clear that Kate is also wanting to target the innovation, industry, and infrastructure SDG, as she hopes to expand this sustainable and inclusive business model to a much larger scale.

When Kate first started the business, she only had four employees and little other help. She described how she did not have an accountant (though later hired one due to financial difficulties and confusion), and how this really made the job difficult for her in the beginning. Although she had little help when starting out, she did have some help from other zero-waste store owners across Canada that she had contacted in order to receive the names of their suppliers. This really demonstrated the community that goes along with the zero waste movement that has been gaining momentum in recent years. Although Kate’s store is not necessarily a new business model, it is a new business model for Nova Scotia, as, at the time, there were no other zero waste stores in the province. In terms of relating to a sense of purpose, the Tare Shop is positively contributing to the Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Sustainable Cities and Communities and Industry, and Innovation and Infrastructure SDGs.

Inspiration

Kate completed her undergraduate program at Dalhousie university earning a double major in marine biology and sustainability. She had a passion for the environment and wanted to make a positive impact on it after graduating, but at the time was not sure how. In order to fulfill this passion, Kate joined a website and created her own page to discuss the importance of the zero-waste movement. The site focused specifically on how individuals can try to eliminate the use of plastic, specifically, the use of single-use plastics. Around this time in Manoir Richelieu, Quebec, the G7 summit gathered to discuss possible solutions for single-use plastics, and how not only to reduce their usage but how to dispose of them properly as well. This really gave Kate an advantage as a few months later, the Tare Shop opened its doors. Starting the business at this time was beneficial to her, as there was more public awareness about the issue of waste and plastic use, and so more people were looking for a change. Kate put all of her time and financial resources into starting this business. In the beginning, she questioned herself asking, “Who am I to do this?” but it quickly turned into, “Why not me.”

This inspiration helped Kate start her business and the mission of the zero waste movement gave her a purpose to try to be a business acting as part of the solution and to make a positive impact. From the success she has got from her first location in Halifax, Nova Scotia which opened in October 2018, she decided to open another location across the bridge in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in early 2021. Although this is not the end of the game for Kate, she hopes to open more shops around the province to bring knowledge to others and help the environment. This is what drives Kate to do better.

Overall impact

With the arrival of The Tare Shop to Nova Scotia, there has been a positive wave of impact throughout the surrounding area. This business model provided her with the ability to open the shop, as this new innovation is the way in which the business is run. There is also a huge impact on the environment as both food and packaging waste is drastically reduced. On a community level, the impact has also been extremely positive through a 1% forward donation program that gives back to the local community. This community impact also targets the sustainable cities and communities SDG. In the long-term, the business has the potential to create a much larger impact on all three of these levels, as Kate hopes to expand the business to a nation-wide scale

Business benefit

Through her new business, Kate was able to create many business connections with other zero waste stores across Canada. She attributes these connections to what allowed her to open her stores and will allow her to hopefully expand further in the future. Kate is also a part of SheEO, which is a woman-owned and lead business that promotes a better world through new solutions and mindsets. Kate first applied for SheEO after starting her business, but unfortunately, she came up just short. The following year, Kate reapplied and was happily accepted to be a part of this organization. She is now looking to taking the next big step and working towards becoming B Corp certified (Benefit Society). B Corp is a certification process you can apply to in a 6-10-month process, which Kate is currently in right now. If the company receives the certification, it means the business acts in a way that benefits society as a whole. The Tare Shop exemplifies this, and we hope that Kate will soon receive her certification

Social and environmental benefit

The Tare Shop positively impacts both the local community of Halifax and Dartmouth, as well as the natural environment. The store supports local charities or organizations (though they do not have to be registered charities) through the 1% forward program. This program means that the business donates 1% of its sales to these charities that are voted on by community members each business quarter. This provides an avenue for the direct involvement of the entire community in the Halifax Regional Municipality. In regards to positively impacting the environment, the Tare Shop eliminates the need for any kind of packaging, thereby not contributing to plastic pollution or waste of any kind. Furthermore, food waste is dramatically reduced, as the consumer is able to purchase specific amounts of the product they require. By benefiting both society and the natural environment, it is clear that the Tare Shop positively contributes to the Climate Action and Sustainable Cities and Communities SDGs.

Interview

Kate Pepler, Business Owner