Small Business Spotlight: Tare Market, For a Zero Waste Lifestyle

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Amber Haukedahl

Above, the 2717 E 38th Street store. You'll find the second location at 945 Broadway Street NE, Suite 103, in Northeast.Looking for ways to live more sustainably? Whether you’re just starting or if you’re in the market for some new zero waste living tips, check out Tare Market. We talked to Amber Haukedahl, founder, about her inspiration for starting the business and the products and services her business can offer. 

Q:  Please tell us the origins of your interest in zero waste living.

A:  After graduating with a degree in Conservation Biology, I traveled through South America operating research stations. I felt that the work I was doing to help protect the habitat for endangered species was falling short, and that I wanted to do more to help make a positive impact on the environment.

When I discovered zero waste after moving to Minnesota in 2017, I was empowered to live a waste-free lifestyle and to help others do the same. After two years of educating myself on everything related to zero waste - including facilitating presentations around the Twin Cities, tabling at events and fairs, and developing the business concept for Tare Market (the first zero waste store in Minnesota!) - I opened Tare Market. Since its inception, it has grown to include over 700 products, supporting many women and BIPOC makers, and helping divert over 34,000 plastic bags from the landfill.

Q:  When did the first location of Tare Market open its doors?  

A:  Our first location in the Standish-Ericsson neighborhood at 2717 E 38th Street, opened on Earth Day of 2019.

Q:  What products will we find at Tare Market? 

A:  We offer products that are good for people and the planet. Products that are plastic-free, that will help you move towards a sustainable lifestyle. We have an extensive refill section for household cleaners like dishwashing and laundry powders, bulk food (think rice, beans, granolas, dried fruit, coffee and snacks), travel items, and health and beauty items. We strive to offer products that are locally made by women, are organic, and are made with sustainably harvested ingredients.

Reusable bags for bulk foodstuffs

Forget a container? Tare Market has a selection of free sanitized containers for shoppers to use. Customers can also bring in reusable containers for the staff to sanitize and put on the cart for others.

Dental care products are among the many health and beauty items available at Tare

Q:  When we visit your store, are you able to guide us as shoppers on how to start a zero-waste lifestyle? 

A:  Yes! We are here to help you wherever you are on your sustainable living journey. We are a judgment-free space where you can come in and talk one-on-one with our wonderful staff. They will help you figure out what will work with your lifestyle and your budget. We also offer resources to help our community live more sustainably. One of these examples is that we offer free containers through our community jar program. If you come by and don't have your own containers to refill, you can utilize a sanitized jar to fill up with whatever you want. We also take containers, too! This helps keep recycling out of the system and encourages reuse.

Another example is our community recycling program at both of our locations. You can recycle items at Tare Market that you typically cannot put into your curbside bin, such as textiles, snack wrappers, and disposable masks. Please check our website or call us to learn what we are currently accepting. This community recycling program is for customers only, as they support this program by rounding up at the register. So, we encourage you to become a customer to utilize this program. 

Q:  Do you provide education for groups – outside of the store – for more sustainable living? 

A:  We do offer classes to the public on Transitioning Your Home to Zero Waste and often do presentations at community events to reach more people. We do facilitate this presentation to private groups as well, so email us if you are interested in learning more about having Tare Market speak to your school, work space, or other private group.

Q:  Do you allow for wedding or birthday registries to be set up at Tare Market?

A:  We are a small company that just launched our online store, so we are working on this capability right now. You can always reach out to us at hello@taremarket.com to request something like this and we will work with you to make it happen.

Q:  Please explain how to - and why we should consider - swapping out paper towels for a better option?

A:  Swapping out reusable cloth towels for paper towels is better for the planet and your wallet. With a disposable paper towel, you are spending your money on something that you are literally throwing away. This product also comes wrapped in plastic, and you have to drive to go get it when you run out, increasing the carbon footprint of this item. And at the end of its life, it either gets thrown into the landfill, incinerator, or composted (if you are lucky). With a reusable cloth towel, you purchase one set and never have to purchase a replacement ever again, saving you lots of money over the course of your lifetime. This product comes with a small paper sleeve that can be placed into your recycling, and has no other waste associated with it. 

Q:  Congratulations on opening a second store location! Besides shopping at the two Tare Market locations, how may we follow your advice and news? 

A:  Thank you – yes, we’re now at 945 Broadway Street NE, Suite 103, in Northeast. You can subscribe to our newsletter by singing up on thetaremarket.com, and please do follow us on Instagram and Facebook.