ALPAS Eco Store
Affordable zero-waste retailing in socialised housing communityThe social challenge
In 2023, the Philippines was ranked as the world’s top contributor of plastic waste entering the ocean. A major driver of this crisis is the widespread use of single-use plastic sachets, a practice known as tingi culture. Urban poor communities, like ALPAS, often live in flood-prone and environmentally vulnerable areas with limited access to proper waste disposal . Residents typically buy sachets on a day-by-day basis, generating large volumes of plastic waste that are difficult to recycle and end up clogging waterways or overflowing local landfills. The affordability and convenience of sachet products make them a necessity for these communities, but also a critical source of plastic pollution that must be addressed.
Social business solution
The Eco Store social business model is a community-run zero-waste retail model that fits the ALPAS residents’ purchasing habits. Eco Stores provides affordable, everyday essentials sold primarily through bring-your-own-container refill systems, enabling households to buy in small quantities without generating plastic waste. This approach preserves affordability and accessibility for the urban poor residents of ALPAS while eliminating dependence on harmful single-use sachets and empowers the cooperative and community leaders to operate sustainable enterprises that reduce plastic pollution and improve economic resilience.
Support provided
- Capital to establish the pilot store
- Business model development support in partnership with the University of the Philippines Institute of Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI)
- Training and capacity building for store management in operations and business management
- Technical advisory on zero-waste retailing and social business practices
- Impact monitoring frameworks to track waste reduction and economic benefits
Impact
12kg
plastic waste avoided per month
28%
reduction in the cost of basic goods for consumers
20+
products sold as refill products instead of sachets
3
mini outlet stores set up to supply individual buildings
What’s next?
To bring refill goods closer to residents, ALPAS is establishing three outlet stores within individual buildings on the site. The ALPAS store is transitioning to a hybrid model that will continue serving individual customers while also functioning as a wholesaler for these outlet stores and eco sari-sari stores supported by Grameen Pilipinas Microfinance Inc’s (GPMI) green microfinance program. This evolution aims to expand reach, increase supply chain efficiency, and deepen impact by supporting a wider network of zero-waste retail outlets.
“The ALPAS Eco Store was our very first cooperative business experience which provided benefits to members and residents of ALPAS Homes. Our goal of low priced goods and plastic waste prevention had gained patronage among members and mobilized the families in their plastic waste reduction efforts. Our continued business operation and expansion shows the community’s participation on environmental action can be achieved when they have direct gains in food cost savings.”
– Dolores Angcon – ALPAS Eco Store Manager
