On Monday, 12 December exactly two years after the project first began, OUNI will open its doors to the public as the first packaging-free organic grocery store in Luxembourg.
Located at 55 rue Glesener in Luxembourg City, the store stocks a wide range of packaging-free organic, local and/or fair trade food and household products to allow customers to live a more sustainable lifestyle and reduce their waste. The store also offers a cozy café and regular workshops on the zero waste lifestyle, do-it-yourself, upcycling, sustainable living, local food and nutrition.
An ambitious project made possible by a community of over 600 members
OUNI (‘Organic Unpackaged Natural Ingredients’), is a co-operative business entirely owned and operated by its members, who now number over 600. The project had its beginnings in December 2014, when Patricia Tompers, now President of the Board of Directors, posted on Facebook: “Who wants to open a zero waste grocery store with me in Luxembourg?" The cooperative was officially created in February 2016 with the ambitious goal of raising €180,000 in capital entirely from members, who each contribute a minimum share of €100. This goal was reached in only four months thanks to the unprecedented wave of community support that spread word of the project across Luxembourg, and has since been surpassed. This support also translated into hundreds of volunteer hours by active members this fall to renovate and set up the store’s interior.
Shop conveniently and waste-free at OUNI
Now ready to welcome the public, OUNI employs two managers and two employees, whose work will be strengthened by monthly volunteer hours from the 250 active members. Late opening hours (Monday-Friday 10:00-20:00 and Saturday 10:00-17:00) and a location near the central train station that is accessible by bus, bike, foot and car make shopping at OUNI convenient not only for local residents but also for those who commute to work in the capital. Customers will find all of the food, hygiene and household products they use every day, all available in bulk or in returnable glass jars and bottles. Shoppers can choose to bring their own reusable containers or purchase linen bags and glass containers at the store.
