Spring into Sustainability Blog Series: Lierer’s Market
For the month of April, in conjunction with our Birthday to Earth Day Spring Fund drive, we’re spotlighting local sustainable businesses, organizations, and artists. Have a suggestion for this series? Email KatrinaWeiss@cintirrh.org to share your recommendations. We’re kicking things off just a little early to celebrate another birthday, that of our pals at Lierer’s Market!
Celebrating a Milestone
Lierer's Market in Northside is celebrating its first anniversary this weekend! This marks a year of providing the community with a sustainable and low-waste grocery option. It's a testament to the growing movement against throwaway culture and towards conscious consumerism.
“We’re just two average people discouraged by the amount of waste generated by our society and frustrated by the lack of solutions. We live on a planet with finite resources, yet valuable resources are wasted or sent to the landfill every day. We know this excess waste has negative impacts on the planet and we wanted to find a way to mitigate that impact in our community. Lierer’s Market is our way of taking a stand against throw away culture,” said Alex Heppner, co-owner of the market.
Photo supplied by Alex Heppner and Bryan Lierer
The Low-Waste Approach
Lierer's Market operates on a low-waste model. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers, and the store offers bulk bins for staples like grains, nuts, and spices. This approach significantly reduces packaging waste and encourages mindful shopping habits. “We’re inspired by all the refill shops on the East and West Coasts as well as all the reuse and waste diversion organizations in Cincinnati,” said Heppner.
“Our community and communities across the country are building these amazing networks of care to promote conscious consumerism and better stewardship of our finite resources. Seeing what’s possible in other places and what’s being built in our city gives us hope.”
You’ll find an assortment of dry goods, household items, and more at Lierer’s Market.
Community Impact
Lierer's Market has quickly become a beloved part of the Northside community. It's not just a place to buy groceries; it's a hub for those passionate about sustainability.
“The heart and soul of our low-waste grocery concept is our refill wall. We have over 175 items available for refill. We have everything ranging from home and personal care items such as your soaps, shampoos, conditioners, detergents, and cleaners to your pantry staples such as beans, rice, granolas, nuts, flours, cooking liquids, and spices. The refillable items are highly sought after with the fresh ground peanut butter being the most popular. We also offer what we call “sustainable swaps” which are plastic free or reusable alternatives to everyday home and personal care items.”
In the next year the market plans to host workshops and events, further strengthening community bonds around shared values.
Bryan fills a customer’s glass jar with coffee beans.
Anniversary Weekend Festivities
This anniversary weekend, Lierer's Market is hosting a special event to celebrate. Join Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub, Queen City Commons, and Northside Community Council’s Sustainability Committee to learn more about sustainable initiatives in Northside and the Greater Cincinnati area. Lierer’s Market shared there will be free coffee (don’t forget your to BYO mug), samples, special guests, and much more on Saturday. Follow them on Instagram @lierers.market for the latest updates!
