Zero-Waste Small Business Profile: Jarr

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Many of you know that Alison and I love our local and package-free groceries! Over the past months we’ve partnered with Fulfill Shoppe, and at that time Alison had created an informative profile to share what we love about them. In a recent exciting development, Fulfill Shoppe has merged with another local package-free grocery company, Jarr! Together they are an even stronger, further reaching zero-waste delivery service. 

Jarr offers over 500 products, so Fulfill Shoppe customers now have even more to choose from when ordering package-free! The joint catalogue has the best of both worlds as Jarr now carries items (see the New Products page) from Fulfill Shoppe that they didn’t previously. I was so excited to complete my first order and test out some of the new-to-me Jarr products, see my photos throughout the post!

About Jarr

Both Fulfill Shoppe and Jarr started in 2020 and neither of the founders had any idea the other company was starting a package-free delivery company! Jarr (with two r’s for Reduce and Reuse) was founded by Emily Sproule with the aim of making package-free grocery shopping accessible for those who might not have the time to source package-free products, but who wanted to lessen their impact on the environment. Emily’s sister Claire later joined the team, making them a sister team, coincidentally mirroring Fulfill Shoppe’s Lori and Pam!

Jarr is based in Vancouver and they stock a wide range of bulk grocery items, cleaning, beauty, and other home essential products as well as fresh and frozen items! Most items are delivered in jars that are then returned on your next order.

Keep up-to-date on both companies by following them on their socials!

Fulfill Shoppe: Instagram and Facebook

Jarr: Instagram and Facebook

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jarr Grocery Delivery (@jarrdelivery)

Things I Love About Jarr

Sustainable Supply Chain

I recently shared a post about lowering grocery bills by going low waste, however as I was writing, there was an obvious question in my mind: even if I was purchasing items from a designated bulk store, or bulk area at a grocery store, how sustainable was the supply chain of these items? I had eliminated packaging as the end-user, but how were the items packaged for shipment, and how sustainable was the transportation of the item?

Amazingly, Jarr includes these considerations in their sourcing of suppliers, which means that often the suppliers use sustainable (often reusable) packaging such as jars. Additionally, many products are locally sourced resulting in fewer emissions related to transportation of the items they sell and some of their deliveries are even completed by bike!

Leadership Team

And of course, Alison and I love that Emily and Claire are a sister team facilitating purchase of waste-free groceries for those of us that just might not have those options available in our area or might otherwise have required trips to several locations to access. We love supporting and sharing about local and women-led businesses!

Products

My favourite product so far has to be the Rootables chips – they lasted maybe a couple of days and I only have a couple of empty jars to show for them — apparently eating them in one sitting is allowed, whew! A close second is the sourdough bread which was delicious served with pasta and soup. Still to come: spelt pasta!

Logistics: How It Works and What to Know

Ordering and Delivery

The ordering process is easy – simply go to the website and select your items! You have until noon the day before delivery day to place your order. Jarr’s website is very similar to Fulfill Shoppe’s so I didn’t find a lot of differences throughout the process of selecting items and placing an order.

Delivery areas include Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Richmond, Bowen Island and details of delivery days can be found here. Fulfill Shoppe used to deliver to several areas that Jarr is not including in their delivery range at this time however, deliveries to Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and Langley are included in future expansion plans!

Jarr provides contactless delivery and can leave the bin outside your door. However, if you live in an apartment, there must be an ability to buzz the driver into the building.

If you are not currently within a delivery area, consider picking up at their location at 69 West 3rd Ave in Vancouver, or perhaps have a delivery made to a friend, family member, or work location within the delivery area. I live in Surrey and so currently have deliveries made to my husband’s office in Burnaby, which works out quite well!

How Your Order is Packaged

Your delivery comes in a crate with reusable insulated packaging for any items that are required to be kept cold.

Deposits are charged for each jar used within your order (as opposed to the handling charge with Fulfill Shoppe), however when you return the jars you will get a credit on your account that you can use the next time you shop! So that means a bit of an upfront investment, but then will net out with each subsequent order as the previous order’s credits are applied. See the Fulfill Shoppe post below for a couple of great tips for managing the jars and tote!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fulfill Shoppe, Zero Waste (@fulfillshoppe)

Still have Fulfill Shoppe jars? Jarr will pick them up!

Ordering Assistance

Any issues? Contact customer service! I had selected pick-up in error on my first order and Emily was incredibly responsive and helpful! She managed to get my order sorted and still delivered on the originally scheduled day.

My To-Try List

In my next orders I’m planning to try fresh veggies (these tomatoes look amazing!), Mint Cleaning supplies, Tempea’s tempeh which is a product that (like tofu) is very hard to find without plastic packaging!

Looking for more?

Jarr has a blog with helpful hints, recipes, and more information about Jarr!

Our post: Easy and Low-Waste Meal Planning with Fulfill Shoppe Pantry Staples

Not local?

Search out a zero-waste store or refillery to support in your local area! Already have a favourite? Share it with us on social media!

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